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Hiroko Kokatsu Martin• 1931 - 2011 Hiroko Kokatsu was born January 5, 1931, a daughter of Kintaro and Mitsu (Saito) Kokatsu, in Hanakoganei-Kodaira-Shi, Tokyo, Japan. She was raised and educated in Hanakoganei-Kodaira-Shi, Tokyo, Japan. Hiroko married Derrell W. Martin July 24, 1958, in Tokyo, Japan. They made their home at various Air Force Bases in Japan. In 1960, they moved to the United States, and Derrell was stationed in Scott AFB, Illinois. In 1962, they moved back to Japan, and were stationed at Yakota AFB. In 1966, they came back to the United States and were stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama. Then from 1969 to 1974, they were stationed in Grand Heights and Kanto Mura, Japan. They finally came back to the United States, where they were stationed at the Minot AFB in 1974, where she worked at Gordon’s Holiday Spot for a number of years. She had many accomplishments throughout her life, but one of her proudest achievements was when she became a United States Citizen in 1960. She learned to write, read, and speak English with the help of her children. She was a very wise, humorous, classy, loving woman. She enjoyed spending her free time playing bingo. She was lovingly known by her friends, as, “Poko.” She also enjoyed doing things with her hands, painting, fixing things, crocheting and knitting. She also enjoyed fishing, watching old Kung-Fu Movies, starring Jet Li, and cooking Japanese food for her family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially babysitting and spoiling her grandchildren. As a Buddhist, she strongly believed in “Kosen-Rufu” known in English as World Peace. She would always tell her children never to hate others, pray for their happiness instead. Her loving family includes: husband of 58 years, Derrell, Minot; sons, Garland “Tiger” (Deb) Martin, Minot, James “Mitsuo” (Lynette) Martin, Minot; daughter, Kristi Martin, Minot; grandchildren, Tachisha Marie Monk, Stephen Kolobakken, Taylor Martin, Harry Monk, Cameron Martin, Jared Martin, Trystan Lehman, Emily Lehman, Olivia Martin, William Poff, and Corey Payne; great-grandchildren, Niyah Barron, Kasia Barron, and Akira Hiroko Olson-Kolobakken; Officiant: Paulette Aasen Order of Service Honorary Urn Bearers: Hiroko’s family and friends Hiroko’s family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
To view the outside of Hiroko's folder |
Hiroko Martin, 80, Minot, ND, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in her caregiver’s home in Des Lacs, ND.