Kazuo Ogawa

In Loving Memory of Kazuo “Kaz” Ogawa

Kazuo Ogawa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and longtime educator passed away wrapped in love at the age of 93 on October 8, 2025. He spent his final days surrounded by his family in Elk Grove, California.

Born in Los Angeles, California to Chiyoko “Mae” and “Tom” Takizo Ogawa on June 22, 1932, he was the oldest of 4 children. His family was interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming during World War II and relocated back to Los Angeles after the war. Kaz attended Manual Arts High School, UCLA, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was a member of the chorus and cockswain for the rowing team. He served in the army during the Korean War.

While teaching math at Adams Junior High School, Kaz met his soul mate, Carol. Both later taught at Gardena High School, where Kaz spent the majority of his 30 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District. At Gardena High School, Kaz was an early teacher of computers and also sponsored the Pep Club and Computer Club. He was a creative person with many ideas and interests including entrepreneurship, real estate, bonsai, Japanese brush painting, sketching, clay, wood carving, photography, road trips, and his love of music. Kaz was a humble man, always supporting others and finding great pleasure in the accomplishments of his wife, Carol, family, and students.

Kaz’s deep loyalty, strength, generosity, and unconditional love will be deeply missed and forever cherished. These traits will guide us as we carry his legacy forward.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; children Kathy Rebhan (Frank) and Ken (Mary); grandchildren Jennifer Rebhan-Chan (Cameron), Kevin Rebhan (Valeria), Sarah, and Rachel; great-grandchildren Malia and Kainoa Chan; and siblings David (Sally), Glen (Alice), and Ann Gee (Myron).

On Friday, October 17, 2025 from 4-8 p.m., two private rooms will be available for family and friends for visitation as well as to gather, share memories, and visit with one another. A graveside funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Flowers for these events may be donated via Green Hills or donations in his memory may be made to the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation or to the Japanese American National Museum