Shigeru Wakakua…March 28, 1932 – July 18, 2016

Funeral services for Shigeru Wakakua will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Holly, Colorado with Pastor Eugene Birt officiating.  Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery.  Visitation will be on July 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the First Baptist Church in Holly.

Shigeru J. Wakakuwa, affectionately known as Shig, was born on March 28, 1932 in Sacremento, California to Nobutaro and Noi (Hasegawa) Wakakuwa.  He passed away on July 18, 2016 at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado at the age of 84.

In 1942, Shig along with his family were placed on a train to Granada, Colorado and then transported to camp Amache where they lived for approximately three years.  In 1945, they were free to leave the camp.  At this time Shig’s family did not have anything to go back to in California as much of their land had been sold.  Shig began attending school in Granada while his brother worked in Bristol raising sugar beets.  During Shig’s freshman year of high school he transferred to Holly.  In 1947, Shig’s father passed away.  Shig, still in high school, knew that he needed to work to make ends meet so he began working for various farmers.  He worked for Clifford Hart until he graduated from high school.  At this time he began working for Everett Willhite and continued working for him for fifteen years.  In 1973, Shig moved south of Holly and began working for Bob Barth where he worked for over 38 years until he retired due to his failing health.  In 2012, Shig made Holly Nursing Care Center his home where he brought joy to many of the residents.  Shig was faithful about reading his Bible daily.  When he was able, Shig would read the Bible to other residents.

Shig is survived by his neice, Merriam Wakakuwa; nephew, Dennis Wakakuwa both of California; as well as all of his Holly family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, George Wakakuwa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holly Nursing Care Center or the First Baptist Church of Holly in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, CO 81052.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.