Katsuji Abe

Obituary Katsuji Abe Katsuji Abe, 83, died peacefully at home after a courageous fight with cancer on March 25, 2013. Born on June 5, 1929 in Tacoma, WA, he enlisted in the US Army after being interned at the Tule Lake and Minidoka Internment camps during WWII. He served in the US Army, Military Intelligence Service, in Japan immediately after the war. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1956. He was active in the Tacoma Buddhist Temple for most of his life. He retired from Boeing in 1991 after 29 years of service. Kats was a fun-loving, generous, and devoted family man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandkids. Kats is survived by his wife, Thelma, of 52 years; children, Mike, Keiko (Jeff) Berard and Steve (Jumi Sakurai); grandchildren, Jared and Ashley Berard; and his sister, Miyo Kanda. Kats was preceded in death by his sister, Tomi Nakashima. A private graveside service will be held at Sumner City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tacoma Buddhist Temple or to the charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. A Life Celebration® Home.