Kaoru Grothmann's Obituary
Kaoru Yoshioka Grothmann , 97, of Honolulu, went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2026. She was born on March 20, 1928 in Seoul, Korea to Rihei Yoshioka and Take Yamashita. Kaoru grew up in Seoul and Beijing, China. After the war, she moved to Beppu with her mother and older sister Toshiko Shigeru. Her interests included dancing hula, playing ukulele, quilting, sewing, obon dancing, ikebana, calligraphy, and cooking and eating Japanese food. She is survived by her son, Richard (Moana) Grothmann of Hilo; 8 grandchildren, Amanda Grothmann, Malia (Dustin) Chapman, Michael Grothmann, Jessica Grothmann, Riana (Jay) Hanagami, Kelii (Ichitaka Kamiji) Grothmann, Kalai Grothmann, Rihei (Pomaikai Iaea) Grothmann; and 5 great grandsons, Nathan Grothmann, Andrew Chapman, Mark Chapman, Kahakukaalani Hanagami, and Bokiholomoana Hanagami. She is also survived by her nephews Hideki (Yumiko) Shigeru of Beppu, Japan and Curt (Cheryl) Grothmann of Florida. Kaoru was married to Carl Grothmann for thirty years until his death in 1985. She will be buried next to him at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Kaoru is also predeceased by her son Mark Grothmann.
What’s your fondest memory of Kaoru?
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Share a story where Kaoru's kindness touched your heart.
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