Kiyo Suyematsu
d. September 18, 2011
Kiyo Suyematsu
Mankato Mortuary
388-2202
Kiyo Suyematsu, Professor Emeriti of Minnesota State University-Mankato, age 85, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Laurel's Edge in Mankato.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour before service. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Casper, Wyoming. Memorials may be given to Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation for the Kiyo Suyematsu Scholarship Fund, the Kiyo Suyematsu Music Library, or the VINE Faith in Action Nichols Project, or donor's choice.
Kiyo was born April 17, 1926 to Ben and Masa Suyematsu in Casper, Wyoming. She attended Natrona County School. She then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Master's Degree in Music from the University of Colorado and a Master's of Arts Degree from the University of Denver. She moved to Mankato in 1963 to assist Mankato State College in establishing a piano program and the college's first music library in Nichols Hall on the old campus. In 1970, Professor Suyematsu added "Music Librarian" to her title. In 1995 Mankato State University renamed the music library, "Kiyo Suyematsu Music Library". She is fondly remembered as an excellent, respected teacher who worked well with students and staff. Kiyo moved to Laurel's Edge in 2001.
Kiyo has been a generous contributor to the MSU Music Performance Series, the MSU Pianist Fund, the Kiyo Suyematsu Scholarship Endowment, the Theatre and Dance Department, and the Mankato Symphony. She has served as a board member, member, and/or volunteer at the Madelia Hospital Auxiliary, MRCI Auxiliary, Region Nine Commission, Blue Earth County Library, VINE Faith in Action, Sorosis Book Club of Madelia, AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church and a former member of St. John Episcopal Church and altar guild.
Kiyo enjoyed visiting with family and friends, hiking, downhill sking, swimming, music and theatre productions, and time in the boundary waters. She hosted many friends at her time share near Hill City and traveled to most of North America to attend music library director's meetings. After retirement in 1991 she traveled to China with friends, volunteered at MRCI Thrift Store, RSVP, and libraries. She never lost her love of the piano and played for religious services at Laurel's Edge.
Kiyo is survived by a sister-in-law, Beverly Suyematsu of Harwick, MA; seven nephews, Jeffrey Suyematsu, Craig Suyematsu, Randy Suyematsu, Michael Suyematsu, Richard Suyematsu, Marc Suyematsu, Ronald Suyematsu; one niece, Tammy Suyematsu; and many close friends, including, Eddice Barber, Evie Casey, Vera Brack all of Mankato.
Kiyo was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tosch, King, and Taro; and two sisters, Sarah and Alice.
388-2202
Kiyo Suyematsu, Professor Emeriti of Minnesota State University-Mankato, age 85, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Laurel's Edge in Mankato.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour before service. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Casper, Wyoming. Memorials may be given to Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation for the Kiyo Suyematsu Scholarship Fund, the Kiyo Suyematsu Music Library, or the VINE Faith in Action Nichols Project, or donor's choice.
Kiyo was born April 17, 1926 to Ben and Masa Suyematsu in Casper, Wyoming. She attended Natrona County School. She then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Master's Degree in Music from the University of Colorado and a Master's of Arts Degree from the University of Denver. She moved to Mankato in 1963 to assist Mankato State College in establishing a piano program and the college's first music library in Nichols Hall on the old campus. In 1970, Professor Suyematsu added "Music Librarian" to her title. In 1995 Mankato State University renamed the music library, "Kiyo Suyematsu Music Library". She is fondly remembered as an excellent, respected teacher who worked well with students and staff. Kiyo moved to Laurel's Edge in 2001.
Kiyo has been a generous contributor to the MSU Music Performance Series, the MSU Pianist Fund, the Kiyo Suyematsu Scholarship Endowment, the Theatre and Dance Department, and the Mankato Symphony. She has served as a board member, member, and/or volunteer at the Madelia Hospital Auxiliary, MRCI Auxiliary, Region Nine Commission, Blue Earth County Library, VINE Faith in Action, Sorosis Book Club of Madelia, AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church and a former member of St. John Episcopal Church and altar guild.
Kiyo enjoyed visiting with family and friends, hiking, downhill sking, swimming, music and theatre productions, and time in the boundary waters. She hosted many friends at her time share near Hill City and traveled to most of North America to attend music library director's meetings. After retirement in 1991 she traveled to China with friends, volunteered at MRCI Thrift Store, RSVP, and libraries. She never lost her love of the piano and played for religious services at Laurel's Edge.
Kiyo is survived by a sister-in-law, Beverly Suyematsu of Harwick, MA; seven nephews, Jeffrey Suyematsu, Craig Suyematsu, Randy Suyematsu, Michael Suyematsu, Richard Suyematsu, Marc Suyematsu, Ronald Suyematsu; one niece, Tammy Suyematsu; and many close friends, including, Eddice Barber, Evie Casey, Vera Brack all of Mankato.
Kiyo was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tosch, King, and Taro; and two sisters, Sarah and Alice.
Guestbook
Visits: 16
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
