Kenji Kenneth Taketani

Kenji Kenneth Taketani was born July 7, 1927, in Torrance, California, to Michio and Shizue (Ito) Taketani. He passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014, in Whittier, California at the age of 87.



Kenji spent his early years in Norwalk, California. When World War II broke out, he and his family were interned at Camp Rohwer, Arkansas. Kenji chose to leave the camp and joined the US Navy. He served our country honorably as a translator.



Following his military service, Kenji completed his engineering degree in electronics from DeVry University. He subsequently worked in management for Printronics, Xerox, and Boeing.



On November 3, 1990, Kenji married Alice Kerr in Long Beach, California. They formed a newly blended family and enjoyed 24 years of wonderful marriage. They had a very loving relationship.



In his free time, Kenji enjoyed Judo, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and bowling. He especially liked taking long trips in the RVtheir longest was three months. Kenji was a member of Tenri Dojo in Los Angeles. He was a passionate and devoted Judo Sensei (instructor) and Judo tournament referee. He was well known and respected among the Judo community.



Kenji will be remembered as a respectful, peaceful, wonderful man. He was dearly loved by those who knew him.



He is survived by his wife, five children, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was the patriarch of a five-generation family. Kenji is also survived by many dear friends.



A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. Private interment will occur on a later date at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California.