Minke Shigoka

Minke Visser Shigoka passed away peacefully on Independence Day, July 4, 2025, in Simi Valley, California, at the age of 94.

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Minke came of age during World War II, hiding her father from Nazi recruitment alongside her siblings. In 1950, the Visser family immigrated to the United States with just three suitcases and one clear purpose: to be sealed together for eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Despite limited early schooling, Minke's determination and talent led her to earn a degree in music from Glendale Community College. Her love of music became a lifelong calling. She taught piano, served as chorister in her congregation for decades, and sang as a soloist at countless weddings, funerals, church services, and in the Southern California Mormon Choir for more than 18 years.

Though predominantly a stay-at-home mom, which her family will be forever grateful for, Minke also worked at a law firm in downtown Los Angeles for a time and had a passion for handicrafts—sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, and dollmaking, for which she won awards. Many of her children’s clothes were sewn by her loving hands.

She married Yoshio Royal Shigoka in 1962 in the Idaho Falls Temple, and together they lived in Ohio, Japan, and California. Her life was defined by joyful faith, service to others, and a bright, lighthearted spirit that uplifted all who knew her.

Minke is survived by her husband Yoshio, daughter Michele, son Ken, grandson Tom, brother John, and sister Mirjam (Duffin). She is reunited with her parents Durk and Maria Visser, and her siblings Pietje (Poppy), Froukje (Freda), Maria, and Durk (Dick).

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM atThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley, CaliforniaI. Interment will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, California.