Toshiko Bouwer, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday night, December 19, 2014. Toshiko was born in Kumagaya, Japan, on November 9, 1933, the eldest of the eight children of Jiro Oyamatsu and Fusayo Hirama. She was educated in Japan, and learned the artistic skills all young Japanese girls learn: sewing, making…
Continue ReadingToshiko Bouwer, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday night, December 19, 2014. Toshiko was born in Kumagaya, Japan, on November 9, 1933, the eldest of the eight children of Jiro Oyamatsu and Fusayo Hirama. She was educated in Japan, and learned the artistic skills all young Japanese girls learn: sewing, making exquisite garments, and the like. Her father, Jiro, was a local schoolmaster, and while the United States had an Air Force Base near, an airman named Gilbert Bouwer was assigned to make sure that English was being taught in the local schools. Jiro took a liking to Gilbert, and even brought him home for dinner. It was there, that Toshiko met Gilbert, and on March 17, 1959, the couple wed and returned to the United States. For many years the couple owned and operated Bouwer Printing, Inc., a well-respected local company which today is still operated by their children. She helped out in the store when she was able, and also worked as a Manager at Gunderson Cleaners for many years. All the while, Toshiko continued as a model mother and talented homemaker who loved to sew, knit, cook, and bake. She will always be remembered for gladly sharing her talents with the young girls in the neighborhood who were eager to learn them.
She is survived by four loving children: Marc (Bonnie) Bouwer of Stevens Point; Joel (Theresa) Bouwer of Menasha; Kathryn (William) Peotter of Menasha; and Lisa (Daren) Hansen of Appleton; ten grandchildren: Rachael Bouwer, Ruth Bouwer, Steven Bouwer, Jason Bouwer, Brent (Anna) Peotter, Dylan (Jennifer) Peotter, Blake Peotter, Camille Peotter, Benjamin Hansen, and Egan Hansen. She is also survived by seven siblings who all reside in Japan: Yoshie, Akio, Sachiko, Tadahiko, Chyoko, Hideko, and Kiyoshi. Toshiko was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gil in 2003, and a brother-in-law: John Bouwer.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha, with Chaplain Jordan Kuczwara officiating. She will be buried next to Gil at Appleton's Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wichmannfargo.com.
Curtis Vallier
left a message on December 22, 2014:
As her neighbors for the last 3 years, we could not have asked for a better person to live next to, she was a wonderful loving woman who was always pleasant and proved that living happy was always better than worrying about the negative. our girls loved her garden and were definitely upset to hear of her passing. heaven certainly got a wonderful angel but we will miss that big smile and no quit attitude, thank you for showing us that age is just a number. love and prayers, the Vallier family
Mogensen Family
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Thoughts and prayers Kathy and family, sorry for your loss.
Paula Carlson
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Lisa and family, so sorry for your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys at this time and always. The Carlsons
Dave and JeanMarie Hinds
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you with the passing of your mother. She must have been a truly marvelous woman.
nita Williams
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Kathy, Lisa and Camille - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Geoff Gayle & Laurel McQueen
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Marc, we are wishing peace and comfort to you and your whole family. It was an honor and pleasure to meet Toshiko.
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Curtis Vallier
left a message on December 22, 2014:
As her neighbors for the last 3 years, we could not have asked for a better person to live next to, she was a wonderful loving woman who was always pleasant and proved that living happy was always better than worrying about the negative. our girls loved her garden and were definitely upset to hear of her passing. heaven certainly got a wonderful angel but we will miss that big smile and no quit attitude, thank you for showing us that age is just a number. love and prayers, the Vallier family
Mogensen Family
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Thoughts and prayers Kathy and family, sorry for your loss.
Paula Carlson
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Lisa and family, so sorry for your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys at this time and always. The Carlsons
Dave and JeanMarie Hinds
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you with the passing of your mother. She must have been a truly marvelous woman.
nita Williams
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Kathy, Lisa and Camille - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Geoff Gayle & Laurel McQueen
left a message on December 21, 2014:
Marc, we are wishing peace and comfort to you and your whole family. It was an honor and pleasure to meet Toshiko.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
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