Akimi Oyanagi

Age 101, died peacefully of natural causes on February 27, 2026.

Preceded in death by husband Kenji; daughter Lynn; brother John; and sisters, Misawo and Sierra. 

Survived by son Steve (Carol); and extended family.

Born in Fresno, California she came out of the internment camps of World War II to go to college at Hamline University where she met her husband Kenji Oyanagi. She worked as a social worker for Ramsey County, stayed home to raise two children, then went to the University of Minnesota to get an education degree. She taught kindergarten in several schools in the St Paul School district.

Mom liked crafts, knitting and crocheting many scarves, sweaters, and blankets. She was artistic making many decorations for the house, including a tree branch with seasonal decorations. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and vegetables. She had many in-door plants. She was active member of Epworth Methodist church, singing in choir, leading a children’s choir, attending woman’s circle, and serving on a number of committees.

Many thanks to the staff at Lexington Landing for the wonderful care my Mom received there.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday, April 20 at  Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville, 2130 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113. A Memorial Service for both Akimi and Kenji will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, April 21 at Mill City Church, 685 13th Av NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Light lunch follows the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Kenji and Akimi Oyanagi Endowed Scholarship at Hamline University. Memorials can be mailed to Hamline University Institutional Advancement, 1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. Please put “Kenji and Akimi Oyanagi Endowed Scholarship” on the memo. To make a gift online please go to https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/19517/donations/new . Under the "designation" portion, this scholarship isn't one of the selections but one can additionally click "other" and write-in "Kenji and Akimi Oyanagi Endowed Scholarship." At the very bottom of the form, one can additionally write-in the "in memory of" portion Akimi's name but it's not necessary if the designation portion is completed.

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