Judy Tatsue Fukuhara

Judy was born in the Tulare internment camp during World War II, then she and her

family were transferred to Gila. After the war, her family settled in Denver after

Governor Carr welcomed the Japanese Americans to Colorado. Judy was extremely

active, participating in sports at Simpson Methodist Church and attending North High

School where she was Head Girl.

Judy went on to graduate from CU with a bachelor’s in education teaching for a short

time before starting her family. She went on to work for CU part time at home as a typist

transcribing notes, typing dissertations, thesis, and other research papers for the

graduate students and faculty. She enjoyed the work, learning as she transformed their

work into published papers. Years later she began working at NCAR first as a clerical

assistant for a research scientist, and then as a full time contracts administrator in the

business office. After retiring from NCAR, she enjoyed retirement employment at Crate

and Barrel where she just managed to make a little more than she spent in the store.

Throughout her life Judy was an athlete, from church youth basketball to adult bowling,

tennis, and skiing, through senior softball, golf, and volleyball. Volleyball became a

passion that she found with her best friends, and she continued to play until just a

couple of years ago.

With her husband Kenji, Judy raised two very active girls. She was always engaged in

their lives, leading girl scout badges, sewing school costumes, doing newsletter layouts

for the PTA, coaching softball, running swim meets, and just attending any event she

could.

Judy never came across a word puzzle she couldn’t solve. She worked sudoku in pen

without a mistake. Jigsaw puzzles less than 1000 pieces weren’t worth her time unless

they were a Liberty Puzzle.

Judy was preceded in death by Kenji, her husband of 58 years and survived by

daughter Lori Serkland, son-in-law Darwin Serkland, daughter Terri Pascoe, son-in-law

Chris Pascoe, and grandchildren Dylan and Morgan. She is also survived by her many

nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you donate to the Nature Conservancy or a charity

of your choosing.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Ironwood Bar and Grille on Sunday, November

8, 2026 at 10:30a.