Rene Asuncion, 78, of Hilo died Dec. 15 in Pahoa. He was born in the Philippines. Private services at a later date at Mililani Memorial Park on Oahu. Survived by daughters, Shirl (Tracey) Veincent and Maelissa (Rodney) Kawaiaea of Hilo; son, Glenn (Misty) Asuncion of Kahului, Maui; sisters, Linda Palalay of Waialua, Oahu, and Rosita Garcia of Pearl City, Oahu; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Rene Asuncion, 78, of Hilo died Dec. 15 in Pahoa. He was born in the Philippines. Private services at a later date at Mililani Memorial Park on Oahu. Survived by daughters, Shirl (Tracey) Veincent and Maelissa (Rodney) Kawaiaea of Hilo; son, Glenn (Misty) Asuncion of Kahului, Maui; sisters, Linda Palalay of Waialua, Oahu, and Rosita Garcia of Pearl City, Oahu; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Kimberly Lorraine Gustafson, 58, of Hilo died Dec 19 in Hilo. Memorial service 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday (Dec. 30) in Homelani Memorial Park Visitation Chapel. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by husband, Leroy Pu‘u; children, Jennifer Kanahele, Kalani Pu‘u-Gustafson, Kyle Pu‘u-Gustafson, and JaVonne Pu‘u; three grandchildren;nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
James “Jim” Joseph Kowalski, 84, of Pahoa died May 13 at home. Born in Milwaukee, he was a retired math teacher for Hilo High School, driver for Island Naturals Market and Deli, AYSO soccer coach, Police Athletic League basketball coach U.S. Army veteran, Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria and, with wife Carrie, adult group home counselors for The ARC of Hilo. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 28) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Celebration of life at 10 a.m. Casual attire; face masks requested. Survived by wife, Carrie Kowalski of Pahoa; sons, Jacob Kowalski of Honolulu and Jason (Donna) Kowalski of Elk Grove, Calif.; brother-in-law, John Baum of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren; nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jeneal Kanani Kalauokaaea Lactaoen, 43, of Wainea died Dec. 3 at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she was a storeroom manager for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Celebration of life 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Jan. 15, at Spencer Beach Park in Kawaihae. Survived by companion, Alicia Manuel of Waimea; brothers, Robert (Mary) Keliikoa of Washington, Leslie (Renee) Lactaoen of Kukuihaele, Jay (Kawehi) Lactaoen of Waimea, Guy (Diane) Keliikoa of Honolulu, Lee Keliikoa of Waikoloa, Joseph Lactaoen of Alaska and Jacob (Francine) Lactaoen of Kawaihae; sisters, Maria Lactaoen of Arizona and Robin (Robert) Lopez of New Mexico; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Francisco Torres Jr., 81, of Keaau died Nov. 9 at Hilo Medical Center. Born and raised in Hilo, he was a retired iron worker for Yamada and Sons. Visitation 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday (Dec. 30) at Sure Foundation, 16-1592 Pohaku Circle in Keaau. Celebration of life at 9:30 a.m. Face mask optional. Scattering of ashes 9 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 31) at the “Singing Bridge” in Hilo. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by daughters, Cindy (William Jr.) Respicio of Keaau and Kathy Torres of Oahu; caregiving granddaughter, Acacia (Wyatt) Kaili-Leong of Keaau; brothers, John (Monica) Torres of California and Sonny (Beatrice) Narte of Idaho; sisters, Helen Pacheco, Emily Pacheco and Beatrice Martin of Hilo; five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
