Mitsugi “Mike” Kusuda

Mitsugi “Mike” Kusuda, born on May 15, 1920, in Huntington Beach, passed away peacefully in Garden Grove on June 18, 2011. A lifelong resident of Orange County, he graduated from Tustin High School and was awarded an honorary degree from UC Davis. He is survived by his beloved, devoted wife of 58 years, Mary, and their children Susan (Chris) Bacon, Ernie (Sandy) Kusuda, Nancy (Dan) Esterly, Frances (Dave) Sheegog and Dave (Pam) Kusuda. Mike also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and his sister, Yuki Ogata.
Mike served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II and later was a founding member of Kazuo Masuda Memorial VFW Post 3670. He served that organization in several capacities and enjoyed the friendship of many VFW members in posts up and down the state. He was a gardener and a nurseryman, owning and operating the Garden Grove Nursery and Flower Shop with his siblings. Mike was active in his children’s athletic and scouting endeavors and relished being outdoors, particularly fishing and golfing.
Viewing will be on Thursday, June 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. at Wintersburg Presbyterian Church, 2000 N. Fairview St., Santa Ana.