Obituary of Kazuko Shimoji Fischer

Kazuko "Kaz" Fischer passed peacefully at home in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 27, 2020 at the age of 87.She was born on the island of Miyako in the Okinawa prefecture of Japan, the second daughter of Shimoji Mitsuru (Japanese family order) and Shimoji Tomi. Born "Matsuko" she changed her name to "Kazuko" in 1952.She graduated from high school in Okinawa. After settling in the United States with her husband, Dennis Leroy Fischer, she completed training as a Certified Nurse Aide.Kazuko is survived by her husband, Dennis Fischer; daughter, Hiromi Saito Lott (m. Lawrence "Tracy" Lott); sons, Nakaganeku Osamu (m. Nakaganeku Yumi) and Darien Fischer (m. Janine Fischer); granddaughter, Nozomi Saito; grandson, Nakaganeku Masaki; and younger sister, Nagamine Takeiko (m. Nagamine Yoshio). Her second oldest daughter, Funami Shinobu (d. 1998), awaited Kazuko in heaven at the time of her departure from this earth. Kazuko and Dennis first met in Okinawa when he was stationed there as a member of the United States Air Force, and they were married nearly fifty-two years. They married in 1968, and they had their son, Darien, in 1972. She naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1978. Kazuko traveled to and lived with Dennis and Darien in various places throughout the United States, including North Dakota, Illinois, Texas, and Colorado, as well as Germany. When she first saw the mountains in Colorado Springs, she told Dennis they would reside there someday; they had that opportunity many years later.Known fondly as "Kaz," "mom," "okaasan" (mother), or "obaachan" (grandmother), Kazuko took immense pride in her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to cook for her family, making delicious American, Okinawan, and Japanese dishes. Her talents and passions were many and included cooking, knitting, sewing, reading, and sculpture. Known for her beauty, subtle humor, and incredible inner strength and will, she will be remembered fondly.Graveside Service, 11:00AM, Tuesday, August 4, 2020, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kazuko's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give. Events Graveside Tuesday, August 4, 2020 11:00AM Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: 202-632-8035 Final Resting Place Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925