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BORN
1931
DIED
2025
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KENSEI OGATA Obituary
Born on June 16, 1931, in Sacramento, California, Kensei moved to Japan upon the passing of his mother in 1932.
Following World War II, he immigrated back to the United States to Lodi, California in 1949. At 20 years old, he answered the call to serve during the Korean War. From 1951 to 1953, Cpl. Ogata served with distinction and was eventually awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.
Following his military service, Kensei pursued a career that blended skill with personal connection. In 1957, he opened Ogata's hair styling in San Francisco, moving it to Marin County in 1967. After selling the business in the 1990s, he continued working as a cosmetologist until his retirement in 2007.
Kensei shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife Claire until her passing in 2018. Together, they built a life rooted in love and mutual respect. He was preceded in death by his brother Hiroomi and is survived by son Sho.
A Memorial Service will be held on November 3, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2400 Oxford Way in Lodi.
Kensei will be remembered for his quiet strength, warmth, and charm. Whether serving his country or welcoming clients into his chair, he brought grace and kindness to every chapter of his life. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who were touched by his presence
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for KENSEI OGATA
Funeral services provided by:
Collins Family Funeral Home - Lodi123 North School Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Memories and Condolences
for KENSEI OGATA
Sponsored by Collins Family Funeral Home - Lodi.
2 Entries
Marc Williams
October 12, 2025
Ken was a cherished human being and customer when I managed at CVS in Petaluma. The entire crew knew of and enjoyed their visits. I recall Mrs. Ogata and the time surrounding her passing. It was an honor to assist and serve Ken in acquiring his wife´s many needs throughout her illness. After her passing, he had quite an amount of previously-purchased merchandise at his residence. He brought it to me to see what could be done; one could literally feel the energy of his sadness, grief. I processed a no question, no receipt refund for every, single item he brought in. It was our honor. Being touched by our serving of his wife´s needs, and personal accommodation upon his visits -Ken bestowed one of his cherished, purple-heart coins, and personal business cards to me -stating a desire to maintain our connection. Still have the card in my wallet and the coin on my nightstand, to this day. They serve to provide reminders of his kindness of spirit and being; reminding me to model his traits, behaviors in my own life. RIP, Ken Ogata, you are fondly remembered and will not be forgotten. Marc W.
Sharon Wise
October 12, 2025
Rest in Peace Kensei
My deepest sympathy to Sho
I enjoyed our poker games at The Commons. You were such a wonderful sweet gentleman.
You are missed.
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