Yoshika Tamura Mootz

Yoshiko Mootz, 73 of Devils Lake, ND died on March 15, 2009 at her home in Devils Lake from complications of breast cancer. Funeral Services for Yoshiko will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with James Travers, AIM and Rev. Ken Bowman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Friends may sign the register book at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Music will be provided by Russell and Lynda Pearson Yoshiko Tamura Mootz was born in Fukuoka, Japan on July 10, 1935. She grew up, survived the harsh war years and attended school in Fukuoka. In 1960 she moved to Sasebo, Japan where she met and married Douglas E. Mootz of the U.S. Navy in April of 1966. They were stationed with various ships and stations from Sasebo, Japan; New London, Connecticut; Norfolk, Virginia; Long Beach, California and Washington D.C. In October of 1975, she was commended by the US Navy for long years of loyal service as a Navy wife. They then retired to Devils Lake, ND where they have since made their home. She continued as a waitress and food service worker. Yoshiko loved her house and animals, especially cats and dogs. She knitted, sewed, played Bingo and tended her flower gardens. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Mootz of Devils Lake; Sisters: Ms. Shizuko Matsuguchi, Sasebo, Japan and Ms. Eiko Ueki of Fukuoka, Japan; Brother: Yasumasa Tamura also of Fukuoka. Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and a sister.