Misako Coats

Misako Coats (86) of Dixon, died Sunday, November 18, 2018. She was employed by Kline’s Department Store, Dixon as the Alterations Manager before retiring. Born on August 11, 1932, to Tokujiro and Hana Kyosaki in Takaraska Japan. Raised in Japan before WWII, Misako graduated from a high ranking high school. She was an actress/singer; a swimmer/diver: a talented ballet dancer until a foot injury at 16. Misako completed 2 years of college and taught grade school and ballet. In the 1950s, her American brother-in-law secured a job for Misako at Tachikawa Air-base. She married Thomas E. Coats on September 19, 1958 at the American Embassy in Tokyo. He preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 1986. His career military life took Misako to the States for the first time shortly after their marriage where she became a United States citizen on February 4, 1959 (Boston); followed by another tour in Japan and back to the U.S. until retirement in 1971. As a wife and mother, Misako helped to lead Foreign Wives clubs at the airbases; was a Scout mom for both the Boy and Girl Scouts; and was an active Home Room mother. They returned to the Dixon area in 1974. Misako made a confession of faith in Christ and was baptized in 1982; she was a member of East Jordan UMC, Polo where she faithfully served and was loved. She helped many young Japanese women as they moved into the Dixon area with their husbands. Misako’s name means “beautiful or helpful,” and she truly lived up to that name. She was loved by her family and touched many lives with her kind, sweet nature. Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas Coats; brothers Katsuyuki, Masayuki, Takayuki and Yukio Kyosaki (Japan) and sisters Chieko Kyosaki (Japan) and Mieko Gann (Texas). Survivors include: daughter Terry Buchan of Bradenton, FL, and son Thomas (Karen) Coats of Bettendorf, IA; sisters-in-law, Bernadine Coats of Sterling, IL, Kiyoko Kyosaki and Tamiko Kyosaki in Japan; and four grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23rd from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, the 24th from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at East Jordan United Methodist Church, 22027 Polo Road, Sterling, IL. The funeral service will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Miller officiating, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Memorial donations may be sent to Rock River Hospice & Home, 2706 Avenue E, Sterling, IL 61081; or East Jordan Church, 22027 Polo Rd., Sterling, IL 61081. Arrangements made by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, IL. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com