Tali Volbergs

Tali Volbergs passed away peacefully at home with his wife Donna by his side on November 8, 2025 in Prescott Valley, Arizona. He was born to Teodors and Zenija Volbergs on July 9,1937 in the Baltic State of Latvia which is part of Eastern Europe. Tali learned to speak six languages including Russian, German, Polish, Latvian, Ukrainian and English.

Tali’s dad was a career officer in the Latvian Army, served as Chief of Police in the City of Daugavpils and was also a member of the National Guard. In 1942 at the beginning of WWII his Family moved to Germany to avoid oppression From the Russians. Upon arrival his father was given a choice to go to concentration camp or serve in the German Army. He chose to become a Captain in the German Wehrmacht (armed forces) and fought at the Russian front.

After the war, Tali immigrated to America through Ellis Island in 1952 along with his parents and brother. He lived in the Bronx area of New York city for eleven and half years before moving to Detroit, Michigan. In 1956 he finished High School then enlisted in the Marine Corps. He took a three-day train ride to MCRD San Deigo to complete boot camp training.

Tali served a year at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California where he excelled on the Marine Corps Rifle Team. He was Then assigned to the Aviation Electronics School Memphis, Tennessee where he studied Communications Radar and Guided Missiles systems. While later serving at El Toro Air Station in California in 1958, an officer questioned how Tali could have been granted a top-secret security clearance without being a United States Citizen. The officer mentored and arranged for Tali to become naturalized. Tali achieved the rank of Buck Sergeant, E-4 and was assigned duties in Taiwan and Japan.

Leaving active duty, Tali began his civilian life as an Electronics Technician for North American Aviation. He worked on Minute Man 3 stage ballistic missiles for 10 years. He then attended school at Cal State Fullerton and received a bachelor’s degree as an Aviation Electronics Engineer. Returning to North America Aviation to work on development of computers systems for the F-111 fighter jets.

In 1975 Tali joined the Marine Reserves where he met Marine Robert Frushon who talked him into joining the USMC Mag 46 Rifle Team. Tali subsequently earned the title of Distinguished Pistol Shooter and rose to the military rank of CWO-2.

Tali and Donna met as neighbors in Anaheim, California and dated for five years before marrying on April 11,1980 in Anaheim, California. Upon Tali’s retirement from civilian employment in 2002, they move to Prescott Valley, Arizona at the encouragement of their friends Bob and Barbara Frushon. Bob also recruited him into the Marine Corps League veteran’s organization where Tali became very active serving on the shooting team and sequential leadership positions as the detachment adjutant, paymaster, Jr. Vice Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant. Also joined the Military Oder of Devil Dogs and served as Dog Robber, SR. Vice Pound Keeper and was named Devil Dog of the Year for the State of Arizona.

Tali and Donna were married for 45 years.

Tali Preceded his parents and brother in death

Survived by his wife Donna, 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Dec 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm, with full Military Honors at the Chapel on the campus of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona to be followed by inurnment in the Memorial Wall at the Prescott National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tali’s memory to the Copper State Young Marines. Please send checks to 5290 N Long Rifle Rd. Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.