Haruko Aten

Haruko Aten was born March 2, 1930 in Ota City Gumachin, Japan where she grew up and attended school. She furthered her education by attending two years of college classes. In 1950, Haruko met a U.S. soldier, Edward A. Aten, and they were married in Japan. They shared over 39 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on January 5, 1990. They were blessed with six children: Maria, Rose, Cathy, Teresa, Edward and Robert. After moving to the United States, Haruko, Edward and the family moved several times due to Edward being in the military. After settling in the Fort Leonard Wood area, Haruko began working as a dining facility attendant in the mess hall. Mostly, Haruko took care of her family and loved them dearly. After leaving the mess hall, Haruko was able to spend more time with her family and took the chance to visit every one of her children for a period of time. She cherished those times spent with them, especially the grandchildren. Haruko passed away at 4:00 a.m., Thursday, February 10, 2011, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center of St. Louis at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 8 days. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. Haruko leaves to cherish her memory six children: Maria Baldwin (John) of Arnold, Rose Aguilar (Herman) of Ft. Worth, Texas, Cathy Gomez (Joe) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Teresa Greer (Mike) of Richland and Edward Aten (Jennifer) and Robert Aten (Stephani) of St. Clair; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2011 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father John Groner officiating. Assisting Father Groner as servers were Dave and Charlotte Voudrie. Organist / Soloist Evelyn Horine lead the congregation in the responses and hymns. Serving as escorts were James Nahm, John Baldwin, III, Donny Aten, Kevin Saunders, Emilio Aguilar, Nicholas Aguilar, Mario Aguilar, Dustin Greer and Austin Greer. Burial followed in the Resurrection Cemetery of St. Robert, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Haruko Aten to the Siteman Cancer Center Research Fund at Washington University of St. Louis and may be left at the funeral home.

Haruko Aten

March 2, 1930 - February 10, 2011