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BORN
1917
DIED
2020
Koko Kawaguchi Obituary
Des Moines - Koko Kawaguchi was born Yoshiye Shimizu, April 24, 1917, on Bacon Island, California. She passed on peacefully in her home on February 27, 2020, surrounded by her family of loving friends and gentle caregivers.
For close to 103 years, Koko lived an inspirational life filled with delight and independence. Koko will live on in the hearts of those privileged to witness her spirit.
During WWII, Koko married Harry Kawaguchi, a US Army WWI vet, and moved to Des Moines, which was Koko's home after the war. Koko was widowed in 1966, when her daughter was seventeen years old.
Extensive travels deepened Koko's love of people around the world. Koko worked into her nineties as a freelance floral designer. She gave many lectures through the years to educate people about the internment camps. She was the kind of woman who attracted many fascinating people.
A celebration of Koko's life will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines located at 1800 Bell Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa 50315 on Saturday, April 25th, 2020 at 11 AM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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EDWARD E BUTLER II
March 3, 2020
Have known her my whole life she was my second mother and nanny.
We had many good times together along with my wife Jackie. So glad she finally going home.
A good person that touched the harts of so many. That's why she had so many friends.
REST IN PEACE
Debra Mohr
March 2, 2020
Koko u were a great person an I loved taking care of u I will never forget u I'm so happy that I got to spend so much time with u an u will be missed by many I love u koko
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