Dean Takeo Kashiwagi

We honor the life of Dean Takeo Kashiwagi, a devoted husband, father, scholar, visionary, and friend, whose journey touched lives around the globe. Born on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to Shizuo and Midori Kashiwagi, Dean's life was a testament to simplicity, truth-seeking, faith, and service. His relentless curiosity led him to uncover truths that simplified complexity and transformed systems worldwide.
Dean grew up in a culturally rich Japanese-American home in Hawaii, the youngest of three siblings. His early years were marked by deep introspection, quiet observation, and a desire to understand the "why" behind everything. Though he often felt overlooked, these experiences became the foundation of his life's work-turning blindness into vision through logic, observation, and love.
As a young man, Dean served a mission in Japan for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an experience that deeply shaped the course of his life. His love for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ was unwavering. He remained a faithful disciple and member of the Church until the end and was known for his sincere desire to invite others to come unto Christ in both word and action.
A proud graduate of the University of Hawaii, Dean went on to earn his master's and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After 14 years of military service, he retired as a Major and began a new chapter in academia. At ASU, he founded the Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG) and pioneered the Information Measurement Theory (IMT) and Best Value Approach (BVA)-innovations that would go on to influence procurement, leadership, and project management across the world.
Dean's greatest joy, however, was his family. With his beloved wife Judy, he raised eight children-his first and most important research group. Dean often credited Judy as the "originator" of IMT, recognizing her influence, insight, and strength at every stage of the journey. Their home became the living lab where ideas turned into solutions, and where leadership was practiced through love, alignment, and faith.
Dean was a man of boundless energy, determined focus, and unwavering faith. He believed that "those who understand don't need to control," and that true leadership comes not from influence, but from alignment and clarity. He taught people to see more clearly, live more simply, and love more deeply.
Dean leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, faith, and simplicity. He is survived by his wife Judy; their six children and numerous grandchildren; and a worldwide network of students, colleagues, and friends who carry forward his vision.
Dean's memory will forever be a light to those seeking clarity in a complex world-and a reminder that in simplicity, there is power.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to causes that support missionary work, youth leadership, and education. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/ /missionary-fund
A viewing will be held on April 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at 2549 N 32nd St, Mesa, AZ – Church Building
The funeral service will take place on April 12th from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at 2549 N 32nd St, Mesa, AZ – Church Building followed by a graveside burial for family.
The service will be broadcast online for those who cannot be there in person. Please follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/99645629944
A private luncheon for family will be held afterward by personal invitation.
We appreciate your love and support during this difficult time.
If you are flying from out of town, please contact Joe 480-313-4488 so we know that you will be attending!
Arrangements by Bunker's University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.