Obituaries for Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Wanda Sanae Shimizu
Wanda Sanae Shimizu
Wanda Sanae Shimizu passed away on May 2, 2024, at Garden Island Healthcare-Wilcox Memorial Hospital at the age of 63. She was born on May 5, 1960, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. She was a retired Traffic Operation Supervisor at the State of Hawaii, Fifth Judiciary Court.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Hatsue and Haruo Shimada, paternal grandparents Juichi and Kiyoko Doi, father and mother-in-law Noburo and Eiko Shimizu.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband Ford Shimizu of Kapaa, son Kyle (Apryl) Shimizu of Kapaa, daughter Joyce (Ryan) Kunselman of Honolulu, grandchildren Kysen and Ayla Shimizu, Riley Kunselman, fur baby Pua, favorite niece Shana Kuriki of Kapaa, parents Stanley and Catherine Doi of Kapaa, brother Wesley Doi of Kapaa, brothers-in-law Blaine (Alpha) Shimizu of Honolulu, Dean (Lynn) Shimizu of Honolulu, sisters Janice Doi of Kapaa, Cheryl (Curtis) Kuriki of Kapaa, Susan Doi of Lihue, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins
Celebration of life will be on Jan. 11, 2025, at Kapaa Jodo Mission Church in Kapaa. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. and service to follow. The family requests casual attire.
Carla Jeane Koellmann
Carla Jeane Koellmann, daughter of Anna Mae and Karl Koellmann, was born on Dec. 21, 1937, in Gordon, Nebraska. She was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her five siblings Honey Lou, Greydon, John, Georgia Lee and Princess Ann Koellmann.
Carla attended and graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson where she majored in English and Spanish. She became a teacher and later met and married her first husband, Thomas Wold, who was also a teacher, and the two had two sons, Paul and Vincent. After living in California for some time, Carla and Thomas moved to Hawaii and settled down on Oahu. After a divorce, Carla moved to the Island of Kauai where she met her second husband, Russell Sinclair Robinson, of the Niihau Robinson’s and she settled down in Makaweli. Russell adopted the two boys and had their names officially changed to Robinson. Carla also enjoyed spending time with Russell’s four daughters from his first marriage, Alice Jean, Pamela, Beatrice and Marjorie.
Carla loved living on Kauai, and she once again took up teaching at St. Theresa’s Catholic School in Kekaha where she taught fourth grade as well as Spanish. Taking a break from teaching, Carla started working at the Station Too in Hanapepe where she could meet travelers from around the world and share her love of crafting with needle point, macrame, and other artistic forms. Carla always had multiple projects going on and was known for creating many one-of-a-kind pieces that she gifted to friends and family. Later she would return to teaching at the Island School over in Kapaa.
After living in Hawaii for fifty years, and after Russell had passed, Carla moved back to the mainland where she enjoyed living and spending time with her brother Greydon in Escondido, California, then on to La Jolla, California, with her brother John, to her sister’s, Honey Lou, in Stockton, California, then on to Gilbert, Arizona with son Vincent and finally to her son Paul’s place in Spokane, Washington, where she passed peacefully on Dec. 14, 2024.
Along with teaching and crafting, Carla was a wonderful singer and was often called up on stage to perform at local island restaurants and clubs. She was known for her radiant smile, warm and caring personality, and her love for family and friends. Many of her former students stayed in touch and often spoke of how much they enjoyed having her as a teacher. Carla also had a love of reading right up till the end and this love of books has carried on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carla is survived by her sister Honey Lou, brothers Greydon and John, sons Paul and Vincent, grandchildren Kristy, Alyssa, Kendall and Gigi, along with great-grandchildren Brynn Allen, Penn and Ellie Buzzatto, and Charlie and Tallulah Berrios.
Carla touched the lives of many over her eight decades of life and will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who will be greatly missed by many.
Zaldy Bathan
Zaldy Bathan, of Hanapepe, passed away on Dec. 16, 2024, in Hanapepe at the age of 66. He was born on Sept. 21, 1958. He was a baker and cook.
He was preceded in death by his parents Graciano and Judith Bathan, brothers Reynaldo Bathan, Danilo Bathan and Edwin Bathan.
He is survived by his wife Gilda Bathan, sons Frederick Bathan of Paranaque, Philippines, Gemzaldy Bathan of Rome, Italy, Richmond Alan Bathan of Paranaque, Philippines, Randy Bathan of Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines, daughter Celestine Manzano of Hanapepe, grandchildren Alzaldy Manzano, Zeistler Manzano, Teilo Manzano, Zaniel Bathan, Gilann Alliz Bathan, Lady Riza Antonette Bathan, Kayleigh Antonette Bathan, Gilda Therese Bathan, brothers Wilfredo Bathan of Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines, Efren Bathan of Batangas, Philippines, Arnold Bathan of Rome, Italy, Gilbert Bathan of Rome, Italy, sisters Ofelia Bathan of Batangas, Philippines, Sonia Bathan-Luna of Canada, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation from 8:30 to 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The family request casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Misao Sasaki
Misao Sasaki, of Lihue, passed away on Dec. 21, 2024, at the Garden Isle Rehabilitation & Healthcare at the age of 104. She was born on Nov. 30, 1920. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by her husband Iwao Charlie Sasaki, parents Ikutaro and Hatsuno Yoshinaka, brothers Masao Yoshinaka, Takeo Yoshinaka, sisters Kikuyo Yoshinaka, Kimie Yoshinaka, Shizuko Suzuki and Chieko Higa.
She is survived by her daughter Dale (Alan) Masumura, grandchildren Joni (Galen) Tominaga, Emmi (Ryan) Esaki, great-grandchildren Samantha Tominaga, Mason Esaki and Mia Esaki.
Private family service was held.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Harry Akio Kakutani
Harry Akio Kakutani passed away on Nov. 25, 2024. Born on Aug. 15, 1944, Harry was raised in Lawai on Kauai. He was in the U.S. Army for three years, a journeyman in the Hawaii Carpenters’ Union for 10 years, and a carpentry instructor at Kauai Community College and for the Carpenters’ Union for 26 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Lea Kakutani, brother Yasuo, and sister Marsha.
He is survived by his sister Sachi (George) Mori, two sons Neil (Lauren) and Andy (Terri), three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Kauai Community College Theater on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Roberta Carol Agena
Roberta Carol Agena, of Waimea, passed away on Nov. 2, 2024, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 79. She was born on Jan. 26, 1945, in Waimea. She was an elementary school teacher.
She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Dorothy Dela Cruz, brothers Donald Dela Cruz, Gerald Dela Cruz and sister Ellen Dela Cruz.
She is survived by her husband Lowell Agena, sons Eric (Cathy Shibuya) Agena, daughters Stacie Aguinaldo, May Lee (Harvey) Llantero, grandchildren Brandie Aguinaldo, Jade Aguinaldo, Andrew Llantero, brothers Stanley Dela Cruz of Eleele, Ernest (April) Dela Cruz of Kekaha, sisters-in-law Aurelia Dela Cruz, Vicki Dela Cruz, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Danny David Smith
Danny David Smith, of Kekaha, Hawai‘i, passed away on Dec. 18, 2024, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 25, 1943, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.
Danny lived a life defined by his dedication, compassion, and love for family and friends. Danny D. Smith served his country with distinction in the Army, achieving the rank of Sargent. He was a member of the 1st Battalion (Reif) 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) serving as a marching soldier at the Arlington Cemetery. A highlight of his service was his participation as a member of the honor guard in the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, a role he carried out with solemn dignity and pride. Danny worked for the Kaua‘i Fire Department and retired as a Fire Battalion Chief after 31 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ambrose and Yoshie Smith, brother Ray Smith, and daughter Maude Nalani Shigematsu.
He is survived by his wife Carol Smith of Kekaha, son Kawika (Keala Wann) Smith of Kekaha, daughter U‘ilani (Nolan “Aba”) Albarado of Pakala, son-in-law Troy Shigematsu of Eleele, grandchildren Trysen (Kimrah) Shigematsu Cosier, Theron (Melia Takakusagi) Shigematsu, Dylan (Litzy) Balaan, Tevin “Matsu” Shigematsu, Maka Shigematsu, Hali‘a Albarado, Kilinahe Smith, and Kani‘ela Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m. The family requests aloha attire. Flowers and lei are welcome.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Gertrude Lizama DeBusca
Gertrude Lizama DeBusca, of Kapaa, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, in Kapaa at the age of 78. She was born on Oct. 18, 1946, in Lihue. She was an elementary school teacher.
She was preceded in death by her father Joseph “Red” Lizama and mother Evangeline Lizama.
She is survived by her husband Frederick DeBusca Jr., daughters Monica (Derek) Kawakami of Lihue, Kateri (Kevin) Tennberg of Kapaa, grandchildren Christopher Kawakami, Hailee Kawakami, Lucy Tennberg, Lily Tennberg, sister Monica Enoka of Kapaa, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Kapaa. Visitation is from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Justino Agno Ganutisi
Justino Agno Ganutisi, of Lihue, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on July 18, 1954, in the Philippines, and worked as an Irrigation Maintenance at ITC Water Management.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Teodora Ganotisi, brothers Marcelino Ganotisi and Viktor Ganotisi.
Justino is survived by his loving wife Ursula Ganutisi, sons Richard (Jennifer) Ganotisi, Joey Gano, daughters Brenda (Darwin) Samson, Mary Jane (Jefferson) Elaydo, Liezel (Jayce) Villaruel, brother Antonio Ganotisi, sisters Pacita (Demetrio) Asuncion, Clarina (Conrado) Tanaliga, Elidia Ganotisi, Marietta (Pancho) Baldonado, grandchildren Briana, Jett, Jon, Chadler, Sofia, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Eugenio Celestino Bisarra
Eugenio Celestino Bisarra, of Kekaha, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 85. He was born on Dec. 18, 1939, in Alcala Pangasinan, Philippines. He retired as a groundskeeper at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elvira and Julian Bisarra, sister Bebe Bisarra, grandson Ranson Tamil Bisarra, great-grandson Sean Santiago-Bisarra Jr. and first wife Pacita Ellamil Bisarra.
He is survived by his wife Emma Bisarra, sons Arnold Bisarra (Rhoda Lacaden) of Kekaha, Sean Christopher Bisarra (Shentel Santiago) of Kilauea, daughter Gina Bisarra (Art Remigio) of Kekaha, grandchildren Scott Anthony Remigio (Jacqueline), Arquilio Remigio Jr. (Gabriella), Terence Bisarra (Stephanie), Arden Sly Remigio (Tasha Okamoto), Tresen (Cherie Kawahalau) Lacaden Bisarra, Teresen Bisarra, 23 great-grandchildren, brothers Samuel Bisarra (Mely) of Lihue, Joel Bisarra (Lily) of California, Conrado Bisarra (Adelina) of the Philippines, Felix Sly Bisarra of Kekaha, Ruben Bisarra (Susie) of California, sisters Hermania Bisarra De Claro of California, Luzviminda Spence (Phil) of Ohio, Edna Barnes (David) of Idaho, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the St. Theresa Church in Kekaha. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Michelle Nanette Dick
Michelle Nanette Dick, 77, of Kilauea, passed away in Lihue on Jan. 2, 2025. She was born in Portland, Oregon, on Dec. 15, 1947. She spent her life creating art and spreading joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Nancy Gaul and brother Greg Gaul.
She is survived by her husband William “Bill” Dick, brothers Tim Gaul, Jody Gaul, sisters Becca Gardner, Gabrielle Paul, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at St. Sylvester Church with visitation from 3 p.m., Mass celebrated at 4 p.m., and reception to follow at 5 p.m. Casual attire suggested, and flowers are welcome.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Hedy L. Sullivan
Hedy “Hoa Aloha, Wife, Sister, Cousin, Mom, Mama, Aunty, Grandma, Tutu” Leilani Sullivan, 76, of Kekaha, Hawaii, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on May 15, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Frederick and Rosaline Jarrett.
She is survived by her husband Papa Steven, sons Darin Alhanati (Anysia), Randy Rustick, siblings Jeraldine Tanemura (Wayne), Frederick Jarrett, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many other hanai children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“O ke ola no i ka wai” – Life is in the water. Hedy has found peace, cradled by the ocean’s embrace and the eternal spirit of Aloha. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will forever light our hearts, a guiding star in the waters of our memories.
Plans for a celebration of life will be made and communicated at a later date.
Marvin Fay Gehri
Marvin Fay Gehri, of Kapaa, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, in Waimea at the age of 88. He was born on June 23, 1936, in Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and a butcher.
He was preceded in death by his father Paul Gehri, mother Grace Casey, brothers Marlin Ray Gehri (twin), Earl Gehri and sister Earleen Koci.
He is survived by his son Dean (Karen) Gehri of Pittsville, Wisconsin, daughter Penny (Marvin) Gehri-Manuel of Kapaa, grandchild Sarah Mahuiki, great-grandchildren Kain Mahuiki, Kari Carlson, Kinley Carlson, Rylen Carlson, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at a later date.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
