Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Lillian Yamamoto
Lillian Tatsue Yamamoto, 72, of Holualoa, died March 22, 2021, in Kealakekua. Born Dec. 5, 1948, in Kealakekua, she was a high school teacher for over 35 years in Hawaii.
She is survived by son, Steven (Nina) Yamamoto of Kailua-Kona; brother, James Nakagawa of Holualoa; sisters, Elaine Nakagawa and Blanche (Richard) Hiraishi, all of Holualoa, June (Douglas) Nakata of Honolulu, and Patsy Jackson of Citrus Heights, California.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Robert Kaupu Jr.
Robert Keanokealakahikikapoleikamakaopua Kaupu Jr., 101, of Hilo, died March 21, 2021, at his residence. Born March 16, 1920, in South Kona, he was a retired heavy equipment operator for the County of Hawaii and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. March 30 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel for a 10:30 a.m. service. Burial at Alae Cemetery (Mormon Section).
He is survived by sons, Robert (Linda) Kaupu III of Ohio, Raymond (Joy) Kaupu, Raphael (Sandy) Kaupu and Radford Kaupu of Hilo, and Ravel (Donna) Kaupu of Pahala; daughters, Roberta Kaupu of Virgina, Rochelle (Harold) Hemperly of South Carolina, Renell (Greg) Kaupu-Kaialiilii of Kona, Loryn (Eric) Rouelle of Kailua-Kona and Kelly (Stanley) Kauwe of Hilo; 38 grandchildren; 97 great-grandchildren; 73 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Stanley Haraguchi
Stanley Haruo Haraguchi, 80, of Hilo died March 3, 2021, in Hilo. Born in Pepeekeo, he was a retired construction inspector for the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works Engineering Division, proprietor of S &L Enterprises, instructor for HCC Masonry, worked for Associated Mason on Oahu, former member of HGEA, member of the HGEA Retirees Unit, Volunteer for the Hawaii Island Soil and Water Conservation, Rooster of the former Hilo Jaycees, former active member of the Aloha Council Pukahi district and Troop 19 Boy Scouts and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Private services held. Family requests no flowers and no koden (monetary contributions).
He is survived by wife, Laura Haraguchi of Hilo; son, Stanley Haraguchi of Hilo; daughters, Allison (Glenn) Hoota of Mountain View, and Robin (Dwight) Kokubun of Hilo; brother, James (Merlene) Haraguchi of Hilo; sister, Vivian Haraguchi of Hilo; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Pamela Soderberg
Pamela Ann Soderberg, 69, of Hilo, died Nov. 13, 2020, in Hilo. Born in Milford, Connecticut, she was an entrepreneur and the owner of Pareo Island.
Services will take place at a later date on Molokai.
She is survived by husband, Bill Dunn of Hilo; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Charles Konanui Jr.
Charles “Braddah” “Chaley” Kalehua Konanui Jr.
Charles “Braddah” “Chaley” Kalehua Konanui Jr., 58, of Keaukaha, died March 18, 2021, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born Sept. 2, 1962 in Hilo, he was an employee of Arc of Hilo.
Services will be held at a later date.
He is survived by, mother, Juanita Konanui of Keaukaha; brother, Pumehana (Malia) Konanui of Keaukaha; sisters, Loriann Yaeko (Larry) Kim of Keaukaha, Kelly Konanui, DonnaLynn Balai of Hawaiian Beaches, Emily (Gilbert) Hauanio, Miriam Conol and June-Dale (Michael) Tavares; caregivers/nieces, Laua’e-O-Makana (Micah) Alexander of Hawaiian Beaches and Leina’ala (Taua’i) Kekaualua-Tuia’ana of Hawaiian Beaches; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Merle Bensema
Merle Howard Bensema, 91, of Hilo, died Nov. 28, 2020, at Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Born April 28, 1929, in Barrington, Illinois, he was retired from United Airlines, a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Kinoole Baptist Church.
Private services held.
He is survived by wife, Linda Bensema; sisters, Joanne Grey and Ess Hartley; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.