Susie (Waka) (Takeda) Morden

Susie (Waka Takeda) Morden, 94, of Loves Park, entered Heaven’s gates peacefully in her sleep on April 23, 2021.  Born January 2, 1927, in Saitama Ken, Japan, the daughter of Reuzo and Tomi Takada.  She was raised and educated in Tokyo through high school.  She learned flower arrangements and to be a seamstress.  She was employed by the US Air Force as a supply clerk for the Far East Radio Network for many years.  She met her dear love, Jim, while he was in the Army stationed at Camp Drake in Tokyo and they married at the US Embassy in Tokyo on October 19, 1970.  Together they moved to the United States.  She left her Japanese culture and embraced her new life as an American by learning the English language and hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  She turned from her Buddhist beliefs to trust Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Waynesville, Missouri First Baptist Church on February 2, 1969.  She obtained US citizenship in 1980.  She and Jim moved to Winnebago, IL, then to Beloit, WI, in 1997.  She returned to Japan for a thirty-day visit in 1991 and kept in touch with her nephew, Koichi Wakasa.  She was a member of City First Church in Rockford, IL, along with Jim since 1999, where they both served as greeters.  She enjoyed gardening and being outside next to nature.  When she was not outside in her garden, she loved to check out the Goodwill just a couple doors down from her home to see the new deals.  She and Jim hosted a Bible study in their home for several years where there was always hot coffee made and fresh cut flower arrangements.  She enjoyed eating sushi, watching her Westerns on TV, and having her dogs P.C. & Buddy by her side.  She loved America and loved to see the American flag displayed throughout the community.  Some of her prized possessions were her chopsticks, abacus, and beautiful silk kimonos.  After Jim’s death, she moved to Loves Park, IL.  She continued to crochet several hot pads and scarves well into her 90’s.  She loved to watch children play and was always ready to take a ride to poke around.  She is proceeded in death by her husband Jim, parents, and sister.  She will be missed by all who knew her, especially dear friends Gary & Barb Betts.  Services will be private, and her final resting place will be at the VA cemetery in Union Grove, WI, alongside her husband, Jim.  Sundberg Funeral Home is caring for her final wishes.

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