Hiro Jungbauer

Hiro Jungbauer was one of 7 children born to Kenjiro and Kayo Fujii, in the small town then known as Tanabu, in northern Japan. She was only 6 years old during WWII, Hiro recalled being 11 years old when Hiroshima was destroyed and the war came to an end. She tells of striking out alone, while still a teen, moving to the port city of Sendaii, where her aunt lived. It was in Sendaii that she later stole the heart of a young American serviceman, Richard Jungbauer, who was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. They faced many challenges as a young couple, including much red tape in getting married in Japan, with multiple ceremonies required before it was official! They started their family in Sendaii, with their first son Richie born there, and Joseph on the way, when they began the long journey to Hiro's new home in America. Hiro bravely faced a new language, culture, and many challenges as an immigrant during a very difficult time of our world history. She shared how those early years were hard, with not everyone welcoming her with open arms. Soon however, she won over her new extended family, and became known as Candy to all who grew to love her. Candy and Dick continued to grow their family, adding son Steve, followed by Raymond, John, David, and Tom. Candy's 7 boys became the focus of her life, and she dedicated her life to raising them to be strong, loyal, respectful, and kind, through the good times and the bad. She took great joy in welcoming grandchildren one by one to the growing Jungbauer tribe and in her final days here on this earth, she took every effort to express how much she loves each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Mom, Grandma Candy, you are forever in our hearts!

as published in Pioneer Press- December 18, 2022:

Jungbauer
Hiro “Candy”
Age 88
Of St. Paul

Passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 13, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband Dick and son David. Survived by sons Rich (Kim), Joe (Michelle), Steve (Wendy), Ray (Kelly), John (Pam) and Tom; 15 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter. Retired at 75 years old, after many years with St. Paul Society for the Blind/VH Industries. Service Tuesday, December 20th at 11:00 am at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway with visitation Monday, December 19th from 4:00-8:00 pm and one hour before the service on Tuesday. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.