Nan Nagasaka

Nan Natsuko Nagasaka (1929–2026)

Nan Natsuko Nagasaka passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 96, following complications after surgery at Saint Alphonsus in Boise, ID. Born on June 7, 1929, in Auburn, Washington, Nan was the beloved daughter of Kenichi and Masuko Morishige. She grew up in the close-knit community of Thomas, WA, where her family operated a truck farm, raising vegetables for local markets.

Nan's childhood was shaped by both the warmth of her family and the challenges faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, her family, along with many others, were evacuated to the Pinedale Assembly Center in Fresno and later to Tule Lake, CA. One of her enduring memories was the heartbreak of leaving her pet dog with neighbors. Eventually, her family was transported to Heart Mountain Internment Camp near Cody, Wyoming. Her older brothers were released through work programs in Oregon and Idaho. In 1944, after being deemed loyal, her family was granted early release and relocated to the Oregon Slope, where they reunited with her brothers.

Nan graduated from Ontario High School in 1947. She worked in farm fields and in the winters served as a nanny and housekeeper for Boise’s Mayor Howard. Nan later moved to California in search of new opportunities. There she married Wright Nagasaka in Los Angeles in 1952.

Disillusioned with big city life and California, at Nan’s insistence, they returned to Idaho, perhaps starting a future trend! They settled in Weiser to begin farming. Nan later transitioned to a career as a secretary at the FHA office and found lasting friendships at Les Schwab, where she worked as a bookkeeper for 20 years before retiring.

Nan was an active member of the local communities. She cheered for the Wolverines, competed in bowling leagues, supported the Ore-Ida Judo Club, and served on local civic organizations including The Young Matrons’ Club and the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). Nan was a lifelong member of the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Church in Ontario where her funeral will be held on March 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM, (286 SE 4th St, Ontario, OR) officiated by Reverend Anne Spencer. She will be laid to rest at Weiser Memorial Cemetery the following day.

Nan is survived by her daughters, Nona Nagasaka Henderson and Brenda Selby; sons Dyke Nagasaka, Bruce (Shannon) Nagasaka; grandchildren Gavin and Makenna Nagasaka, Benjamin Henderson; great-grandchildren Haile and Aubree Henderson; brother George