Makoto (Mike) Shimozaki died August 10, 2015 in his sleep at the Hospice House in Stockton.He was born on July 4, 1928 in Stockton to Gisuke and Misao Shimozaki. At the age of 14 Mike was interned at camp in Rohwer, AR and then later in Tulelake, CA where he would spend the duration of WWII. Wanting to serve his country, Mike enlisted as a combat medic during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. After the war Mike met his lovely wife Mary and the two became married on June 1, 1958. They settled in Acampo where they raised their 3 children and 7 grandchildren. After the war, Mike opened up a grocery store with his brother Oscar. He worked at an asparagus packing shed and grew strawberries with his brother Sam. Later he was hired as a foreman for Cranston Vineyards where he retired after over 30 years.
When he wasn’t working, Mike enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a frequent visitor to Jackson Rancheria where many of the staff knew him by name. Known for his wit and sharp tongue, Mike was always sure to make his presence known up until the day of his passing.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Shimozaki, his son Mike Jr. and siblings Sam, Nancy, Charlie, Oscar and Luther. He is survived by his brother Henry; son Dean, wife Donna; daughter Doris, husband Frank Sasaki; daughter-in-law Yvonne, husband John Gordon; and grandchildren Derek and Ryan Shimozaki; Frank Jr. fiancée Anh Dao-Tran, Brandon, and Tiffany Sasaki; Jordan and Kira Shimozaki.
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VISITATION
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home , 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240
SERVICES
A Pillow Service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home , 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Lodi Buddhist Church, 23 N. Stockton St. ,Lodi, CA.