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The Memorial Services began at 9am CST at Oak Creek High School, 340 East Puetz Road, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 53154. United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, is scheduled to address attendees at 11am CST. Live Television coverage is also expected by CNN throughout the funeral service. Below is a brief glimpse into the life of each of the brave souls, that we lost last weekend, for their extended sangat across the country.
Paramjit Kaur Saini was the only woman killed in Sunday’s shooting at the Sikh Gurdwara in Wisconsin. Born on April 25, 1971, she is survived by her two sons, 20-year old Kamaljit Singh Saini and 18-year old Harpreet Singh Saini. She was a weekly presence at the gurdwara, as her faith stemmed deep in the Sikh religion. Paramjit K came to pray and serve every Sunday and Thursday. She was a very selfless woman, always putting her husband and sons first, beyond anything.
Ranjit Singh, brother of Sita Singh, moved to New Delhi after he completed his education and moved to the United States in 1997. He was an active member of his community, committed himself to volunteer work and played tabla during religious ceremonies. He is survived by his wife and children who currently reside in India. One of his sons, Gurvinder Singh, was seven months old when Ranjit Singh left his home in Delhi, India. 16 years later, his son hoped to see his father return to Delhi this November. Ranjit Singh worked various jobs on weekdays, sending what money he could home to his wife and family, hoping to secure a more stable future for his family in the future.
Sita Singh, was born November 15, 1970, was the younger brother of Ranjit Singh, from the Dalu Wala Majpata village. He moved to New Delhi after completing his education, and then transitioned to the states in New York City. He was known as a tough and dedicated man who was very easy to talk to. He is survived by his wife and four children. Sita Singh was dedicated to all duties of the temple, such as including cutting the grass on the property and trimming the bushes. He led morning services every day around 5 a.m. Sita Singh lived in the temple where his brother had once served as a longtime priest, and his life ended there as well.
Prakash Singh was born on November 1, 1972 and was from New Delhi, India. He was known by his friends and family for being a very caring and hard-working man. He emigrated to the United States in 2005. A prayer leader at the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin for about six years, Prakash Singh had gone to India in June, returning with his wife, 11-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. He is survived by his wife and two children. He reunited with his family just 45 days ago, after 7 years.
S
uveg Singh Kattra was born on July 6, 1928 in Patiala,Punjab, India. Suveg Singh made his living by farming and decided to emigrate to the United States in 2004. Suveg Singh was a strong and devout man who was very devoted to his gurdwara and faith. He will be remembered by those around him for his punctuality in everything he did, and is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren. Suveg Singh lived with his family and was known to come to the temple early in the morning and stay through the evening. He will be immensely missed at his granddaughter’s wedding in Haryana, India, this December. Infinite sadness has filled her heart, knowing her grandfather won’t be there to see her get married.
Satwant Singh Kaleka died defending the Gurdwara he built, attempting to fend off a gunman who attacked worshippers Sunday, family members said. He was born June 2, 1947, in Kaleki Dugal, Punjab, India. Satwant Singh came to the United States in 1982 with $100 in his pocket and worked tirelessly to give back to others, build a solid foundation and future for his family, as well as build a vibrant Sikh community in the south of the city. His tireless dedication and commitment to the Sikh community and religion, as well as his deep seeded and unshakable faith, kept him resilient, despite the endeavor. He was the go-to man in every situation, for many.
Satwant Singh spearheaded the growth of the congregation, and has been president of the Gurdwara since 1996. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and three grandchildren. Satwant Singh was a fearless, selfless, and dedicated protector of his temple, community, and loved ones, and he played that role until his very last breath. He dedicated his life to the gurdwara, faith, and Sikh religion, and would not have had it any other way, even to his dying day.
While they are no longer with us, and we all feel the loss of these brave and proud souls, we must not forget their dedication to Sikhi and the fearlessness they displayed. They must remain a shining example for how Sikhs should act and help us keep renewed sprirts of Chardhi-kalla.
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