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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 in 1932 following the passing of his mother. In 1949, after World War II, he returned to the United States and settled in Lodi, California.
At the age of 20, Kensei answered the call to serve during the Korean War. From 1951 to 1953, he served with distinction as a corporal and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.
After his military service, Kensei pursued a career in cosmetology. In 1957, he opened Ogata's Hair Styling in San Francisco and later relocated the business to Marin County in 1967. Even after selling the salon 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. He was also preceded in death by his brother Hiroomi. He is survived by his son Sho.
A memorial service will be held on November 3, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, located at 2400 Oxford Way in Lodi.
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
Yesterday
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
Yesterday
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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