Sikh Temple shooting victim profiles
OAK CREEK -- Six were killed Sunday, August 5th after 40-year-old Wade Michael Page entered the Sikh Temple and opened fire -- before police fatally shot Page outside the temple. Amardeep Kaleka, the son of Satwant Singh Kaleka created the below profiles, describing each of the victims. Amardeep's father, Satwant, was the temple's founder and president, and is not included below.
Satwant Singh Kaleka's nephew, Kanwardeep Singh Kaleka spoke with FOX6 News as the Sikhs celebrated their first religious services after the shooting one week later -- Sunday, August 12th. He provided some reflections on each of those who lost their lives in the shooting. Click the video link above to hear his thoughts.
Prakash Singh (age 39)
Prakash Singh was born on November 1st, 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. He is survived by his wife and two children.
He reunited with his family just 45 days ago.
A priest at the Sikh Temple 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.
Prakash Singh had been in the United States for about nine years but received his green card six or seven months ago. He had been staying in the living quarters at the temple.
After reuniting with his family, Prakash Singh was preparing to move. A priest may only live in the temple alone, not with family. Prakash Singh had just found a new apartment to share with his children and wife.
Sita Singh (age 41)
Sita Singh was the younger brother of Ranjit Singh and also was from Dalu Wala Majpata village. He moved to New Delhi after completing his education. 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.
Priest Sita Singh moved here from New York City about six months ago to serve the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin while another priest was gone. He was shot and killed along with his older brother, Ranjit Singh.
Sita Singh was dedicated to all aspects of the temple, cutting the grass on the property and trimming the bushes. He led morning services every day about 5 a.m., according to temple member Jhalman Singh.
Sita Singh lived in the temple where his brother had once served as a longtime priest.
Ranjit Singh (age 49)
Ranjit Singh, from Dalu Wala Majpata village, 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.
Ranjit Singh’s son was seven months old when Singh left his home in Delhi, India, and came to the United States, according to report byNDTV, a New Delhi-based media company.
The boy, Gurvinder, hoped to see his father for the first time in 16 years when Singh returned to Delhi in November to celebrate the Indian holiday of Diwali, the station reported.
Singh played the tabalas, a type of drum, during prayer services at the temple. He worked odd jobs on weekdays, sending what money he could home to his wife and son.
Paramjit Kaur (age 41)
Paramjit Kaur Toor was the only woman killed in Sunday’s shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. She was the mother of two sons, ages 18 and 20.
She was a weekly presence at the temple. She came to pray and to prepare food every Sunday for the shared meal.
She and her husband — nicknamed Inder — and her two sons emigrated from the Punjab region in India about five years ago. They lived in Oak Creek. She and her sons returned from a trip to their homeland a couple of months ago.
Suveg Singh Khattra (age 84)
Suveg Singh Khattra was born on July 6, 1928 in Patiala, Punjab, India. Suveg made his living by farming and decided to emigrate to the United States in 2004 with his wife Nachittar Kaur to live with his son Balijinder Singh Khattra and daughter in law Kulwant Kaur. Suveg was a strong and devout man who was very devoted his gurdwara (temple).
He will be remembered by those around him for his punctuality in everything he did. He is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren.
Suveg Singh held a key role at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. He provided fellowship. He would ask cabdrivers about their families or offer an uplifting scripture passage.
Suveg Singh, who lived with his family, was known to come to the temple early in the morning and stay through the evening, sometimes as late as 7 p.m. “He knew some of my relatives. He used to talk about how life has been,” said Manminder Singh Sethi, a dentist in Brown Deer. “He was really happy.”
CLICK HERE for additional Sikh Temple shooting coverage via FOX6Now.com.