Kiyoshi Renge passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by his loving family on June 17, 2024. He was 100 years old.

Kiyoshi was born on December 10, 1923 to Kanichi and Tora Renge. He was raised in Fowler, California where he attended Iowa Grammar School and Fowler High School. He participated in high school journalism, basketball, and track. While growing up, Kiyoshi and his family attend the Fowler Presbyterian Church on Sunday mornings. He later became a member of the Japanese Congregational Church of Fresno (now the United Japanese Christian Church of Clovis)

During World War II, Kiyoshi and his family were detained at the Fresno County Fairgrounds and later interned at Jerome, Arkansas in 1942. Shortly after arriving at internment camp, Kiyoshi had the opportunity to leave camp to find work in the Midwest. He worked at the Greening Nursery (Monroe, MI) and later making parts for PT boats at Tweenen Fiber (Chicago). Post war, Kiyoshi returned home to Fowler and worked on the family farm.

Kiyoshi married Hanaye Watari in 1961. They made their home in Selma, California where they lived and raised their four children, Carol, Elaine, Vivian, and Jon.

Faith and Family were his number one priorities. His love of God inspired and encouraged him, as well as everyone who knew him. He cherished lasting memories of family gatherings. Whether it be holidays, birthdays, or Renge reunions, time spent with family were important and enjoyed immensely by him.

Kiyoshi is preceded in death by his wife, Hanaye; parents Kanichi and Tora Renge; siblings and their spouses, Yaeko (David) Ogawa, Howard (Takako) Renge, Nobuo Renge; James (Ayako) Renge, Chiaki (Minoru) Okubo, and baby sister Hagiko. Son in-law Russell Takeuchi passed 2 weeks after Kiyoshi.

He is survived by his children Carol (Paul) Yamashita, Elaine Renge (Brett Runyon), Vivian Takeuchi and Jon Renge; his grandchildren, Grant, Evan, and Alyssa Yamashita and Russell Jr., Keila (Michael Tolladay) and Garrett Takeuchi. Kiyoshi is also survived by his sister in-law Nancy Renge and brothers in-law Kiyoshi Watari and Roy Watari, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sumera Hayat, Dr. Fred Nagata, Dr. Steven Sasai and their staff; Compassionate Home Health Care Nurses; PT Phil, Nurse Erin Gibbard and the staff at Fox Drug Store for their exceptional care to Kiyoshi.

Graveside service will be held at the Fowler District Cemetery on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10 am.