Obituary for Lawrence K. Nakamura
Lawrence (Larry) K. Nakamura, 90, of Peoria passed away July 6, 2023. He was born on March 16, 1933 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Preceding Larry’s death was his father Kaichi, mother Yoshiko, brother Charlie, and wife of 59 years, Patsy.
Larry and Patsy are survived by their four children, Jill, Del, Patrick (Lori), and Leslie; and three grandchildren, Justin, Seri, and Tierra.
As a youth in Hawaii, Larry enjoyed fishing and playing sports. As a teenager, he learned the value of hard work from helping with his father's carpentry business. Larry attended a college preparatory high school and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii. After serving in the US Army, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant, he continued his education at Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin, earning MS and PhD in Microbiology. While finishing his doctorate studies, in 1962 Larry married Patsy Sakai, also from Honolulu. They moved to Peoria where Larry accepted a microbiologist position at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. Larry conducted lab research making scientific contributions for 40+ years and received the distinction of Fellow of Microbiology. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, tennis, bowling, carpentry, embroidery, gardening, watching PBS, and spending time with family.
Larry’s wish was to return to Hawaii. His ashes will be privately buried next to his parents and brother. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Society of Microbiology https://asm.org/a/Donate or a science education foundation.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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