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Gerald Kosaka Obituary
He was born to Sanaye and Florence (Masui) Kosaka on November 18, 1936 in Marysville, CA. The family moved to Lodi in 1938, and soon were sent to interment camp in Rohwer, AR during World War II.
Following the war they returned to Lodi where Gerald attended Alpine and Needham elementary schools. He graduated from Lodi High School class of 1954. He recently enjoyed attending his 55th high school reunion.
At age 18 he began working for Sell-Rite Market in Lodi, and retired in 1991 after 33 years as a salesman-merchandiser in retail. In 1960 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving most of his time in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1962.
Gerald was a member of the Lodi Buddhist Church, Teamsters Union, Lucky Anglers, an active supporter of BOBS in Lodi as a volunteer coach for over 35 years, and was chosen the "Coach of the Year" for 1979-80.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Kosaka.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Brenda Kosaka of Lodi; son, Keith Kosaka of Lodi and his sons, Kameron, Colin, and Carson Kosaka; daughter and her husband, Kris Kosaka Cullinan and Phil, and their son, Cody Cullinan; his father, Sanaye "Pancho" Kosaka of Lodi; his siblings: Arlene Tamura and her husband Nobi, Louise Glasser, Ronnie Kosaka and Tiny, and Judy Kosaka; his nephew, Jay Pleasant, and niece, Michelle Okazaki; his aunts, Hisako Nakamura and Miyako Tsunekawa; numerous cousins and extended family members also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lodi Buddhist Church, 23 N. Stockton Street, Lodi, CA 95240, with Rinban Bob Oshita officiating. Inurnment will be private at Cherokee Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12th, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, near Beckman Road, in Lodi.
Please sign the online registry and share memories at www.cherokee-memorial.com.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Kosaka
Chris Karger
October 30, 2009
Brenda, Keith and the entire Kosaka family my condolences go out to you. The years I spent playing for Coach Kosaka were truly unforgettable and his accomplishments will continue to live on through his players.
Elizabeth Kass
October 25, 2009
Dear Brenda and Family,
I was saddened to hear the news about Coach Kosaka. Gerald touched many lives and did great work with the youth in our community. He will be greatly missed but his positive influence will continue.
Take care,
October 19, 2009
My condolences to Keith and the entire Kosaka family. Like so many that have already written, I am so thankful for Mr. Kosaka and the other men in Lodi who gave so much to the youth in that community. Their tireless effort and desire to impact young people through athletics has been rewarding. Although I did not have the good fortune to be coached directly by Mr. Kosaka, I did indirectly benefit from his presence. Thank you, Mr. Kosaka.
Quay Richerson, Sisters Oregon
Keith Reynolds
October 18, 2009
Ponch was a great man who had positive influence on many kids who were lucky enough to call him thier coach and friend. I'll never forget when Keith and I were batboys for the Kunderts Insurance team that Ponch coached to the title. There are many more memories as Keith and I grew up together in Lodi and continued to play sports. My family sends our deepest sympathies to Brenda and Keith and the entire Kosaka family.
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LaVerne Burns
October 17, 2009
Dear Brenda and Family....I was so surprised to check the Sentinel from afar(Mt Pleasant, SC)and find Gerald had passed on. I can still picture him on the Alpine School Playground. What a neat guy. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Hope to see you next time I'm in Lodi. LaVerne Mettler Burns
Roberta Bean
October 15, 2009
Dear Brenda,
I was so sorry to read of Poncho's passing. My sympathies to you and your family.
Mike Mutch
October 15, 2009
Dear Kosaka Family - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr Kosaka was my favorite coach in my pre-high school days. I had the privilege of playing baseball for him for several years. I learned the fundamentals and learned a high standard of excellence. What great memories I have when I think about the Lodi Tent & Awning days! Thank you for what you did for me and many other kids. All the best to you, Brenda and Keith and family. Take care. - Mike
October 15, 2009
Poncho had a wonderful life, there's not anything better that can be said. Thinking of all of you. Love Raedene & Billy von flue
Dennis Seibel
October 13, 2009
Dear Brenda, Ronnie and Family, We are
so very sorry to hear of the passing of our dear friend Poncho.
We have great memories of 49'r games,
coaching little league and going to
Rick's Pizza after games.
You are in our prayers. Just know that he will truely be missed.
Our Love, Dennis and Joanne Seibel
Joe Ortiz
October 13, 2009
Kosaka family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kosaka was a good man who made a difference in a lot of athlete's lives in Lodi. He and you will be remembered in our prayers.
Pete Saco
October 13, 2009
To the Kosaka Family:
Mr. Kosaka, as I will always remember him was one of the best parents and supporters of high school athletics that I ever knew. He truly loved his family and loved being around the high school when Keith was playing basketball and baseball. He was an avid supporter of Lodi High School and, more importantly, supported the youth of Lodi and gave much of his time to help them. Barbara and I will keep him in our prayers and remember the good times. I can truly say he was a great human being!
Kevin Nakamura and Family
October 13, 2009
We send our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 13, 2009
Dear Brenda and Family,
Your friendship all these years turned into becoming a part of our extended family. We are suffering an emptiness along with you. Please know that there are friends embracing you and will be here for you. There will always be a place in our hearts for Gerald filled with his smile and warmheartedness.
With love,
Marvin and Kathy Aso
Ronda
October 13, 2009
To all the Kosaka Family,
My thoughs and Prayers are with all of you at this time. You have all been a part of my family at one time or another and I have wonderful memories of all of you. hold the good times close to your heart, It will help!!
Arlene, Ronnie, Judy, Louise I love you all and I am here for you!!
All my love Ronda
Gina & Sam Chastain
October 12, 2009
Auntie Brenda, Keith, Kris & Family
Uncle Gerald will be greatly missed, he loved his children and grandson's, he will always be watching over you. The Chastain's
Vicki/Misty Friends
October 12, 2009
Brenda,Kris,Keith and family, We are so sorry for your loss.
Gerald was such a special person. We will keep him in our hearts forever. We are here for you always. Love your friends, Vicki and Misty
Randy Snider
October 12, 2009
What a great contributor to youth athletics in Lodi. Gerald certainly left his mark and was such a wonderful influence on our children. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Linda Griffin Hernandez
October 12, 2009
I am sorry to hear about Gerald. We will miss him.
Janet Yarborough
October 12, 2009
Sorry for your loss. We will miss Gerald.
NEAL MUNSON
October 12, 2009
RONNIE, OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.PANCHO WAS A GREAT PERSON, WE WILL MISS HIM. NEAL& JACKIE
Stanley Gallagher
October 12, 2009
I have known Poncho since our football days at Lodi High. Football was a big deal in those days. Competition was intense and often brutal. Poncho met the challenge. He was always calm, pleasant, and determined. He earned the starting position on the 1954 championship football team. I admired his service to his country, his service to youth, and his maintaining numerous lifelong friends and always showing love and respect toward his family. I will miss his shy, friendly grin. My prayers go out to his wife and family.
Pat Mancebo
October 12, 2009
Dear Brenda and Family ... My sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, father, grandfather, and Uncle Gerald. Please know that he and you are in my prayers and thoughts and above that, be assured that your dear loved-one is now without pain or sadness. Please take care and accept the kindness and love of Dorothea, Kim and all of your family and friends, Brenda. God bless you. With love, Pat Mancebo <
Dan Mutch
October 12, 2009
Our condolences to Brenda, Keith, and Kris! We had great times with Pancho as our head baseball coach going back to little league, then Junior Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth: He was the best! I wanted my son to work with Pancho, not only because he understood the game, but he also cared for the welfare of each kid that played for him. The kids not only enjoyed the game because of Pancho, but learned how to win and be winners. I also have vivid memories back in the days when Pancho and I both coached Comet League Basketball, roughly junior high basketball: Again, I enjoyed coaching against Pancho. He was a real competitor, and an excellent strategist: May you rest in peace, Pancho.
PS: One of my fondest memories of those little league days, was the follow up pizza with Pancho and Brenda & the players at the old Straw Hat, on Ham Lane: It was a time to rehash the game, and have some real laughs!
Dan and Ursula Mutch
Wine Country Card Room Staff
October 12, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 11, 2009
DEAR BRENDA AND FAMILY, WE'RE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GERALD'S PASSING. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND WE WILL MISS HIM AS WILL ALL WHO KNEW HIM. WE'RE ON THE ROAD IN OUR TRAILER AND WON'T BE HOME IN TIME FOR THE FUNERAL. WE'LL BE HOLDING GOOD THOUGHTS FOR ALL OF YOU AND REMEMBERING GERALD. LOTS OF LOVE, SHEILA AND JACK DUNN
October 11, 2009
DEAR BRENDA AND FAMILY
AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PANCHO, JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. BEV MUNSON
J.H. MASUI
October 11, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Marci Massei
October 11, 2009
Dear Kris:
My sincere condolences to you, your Mother, and your entire family on the loss of your beloved father. You've always been such a loving, compassionate supporter of your many friends, please know they are available to return the support in full measure to you, now. Your family is in my prayers.
Bill and Caryl North
October 10, 2009
Our condolences to the family of Gerald Kosaka, from the family of Bill and Caryl North, Class of '54. He was a compassionate coach and member of our championship football team. We'll all miss him at the Men's Luncheon.
Gene and Chip Herman
October 10, 2009
Our condolances to the family of Pancho, a good friend and coach.
Vicky (Cruz) Corrales
October 10, 2009
Dear Brenda and family,
I am thinking and praying for all of you at this very difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Marcia Pothast
October 10, 2009
Dear Brenda,
I am so sorry that you lost your Gerald. If there is anything I can do to, I am always there for you.
October 10, 2009
To the family of Pancho Kosaka,
We were very saddened to hear of "Pancho's" passing. We were Lodi High School Classmates, Class of 1954. He was a good friend, and gentleman. we extend our deepest condolances to his family.
Mike and Patricia Manassero, Lodi
Deborah craig
October 10, 2009
hello i lost my father to cancer in march of 2004 and condolences are to his family and friends,please never foget him and im so sorry that his family are through a difficult time may the good lord be with you all the time.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
October 9, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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