June Shinbo Ikeda

June Shinbo Ikeda passed away peacefully at an assisted living facility in College Place. June was the eldest of four siblings born in Walla Walla to Yuso and Tomiko Shinbo. June graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1941 and Whitman College in 1945.

Throughout her school and college years she worked at her parents’ restaurant The Imperial, until that business was closed in 1942 due to curfew restrictions placed on Japanese Americans.

While in Oregon, her best friend Mary Nimii arranged a blind date with Kazuo (Kaz) Ikeda; they married in September 1950. They resided in Walla Walla and worked at Walla Walla District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Kaz worked as an architect on support buildings at hydroelectric power sites on the Columbia and Snake rivers and adjacent recreational areas. June worked as a secretary in the engineering design branch. In recognition of her exceptional work, she received the Department of the Army’s Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

June was an active member of Pioneer United Methodist Church, volunteering as donations bookkeeper for many years. She was an active member of the Engineer Wives Club, Corps of Engineers’ Retiree group, as well as an enthusiastic supporter of Whitman College and its athletic programs.

June was predeceased by husband, Kazuo (1992) and newborn son (1958). She is survived by son, Jon Masao Ikeda (Nancey Goforth) of Issaquah; grandchild, Haida Ikeda; brother, Art (Katie) Shinbo of Walla Walla; sister, Martha Matsuki (Joe) of Las Vegas; sister, Patty Kajita (Haruo) of Walla Walla; and several nieces, nephews and beloved family friends.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, at Herring Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Mountain View Cemetery at noon on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m at Pioneer United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Pioneer United Methodist Church or Whitman College through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA, 99362.