Tjong Kwa

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of Tjong Ik Kwa passing on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  Our dad, opa and husband to Kiong Nio Kwa was born December 11, 1929 in Semarang, Indonesia as the youngest of three to Kwa Soen Hoo and Ien Nio Goei.

Referred to lovingly as “Klik” or Opa or “Johan”, he grew up in Semarang where he worked for Garuda Airlines and met his love, Kiong Kwa, as she commuted while studying in college.  The two joined in marriage on April 10, 1966 and would have celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary this year.

During their marriage, they lived in both Jakarta, Indonesia and Cerritos, California.  Tjong Ik worked hard to ensure a better life for his family by immigrating to the United States in January of 1981.  He enjoyed gardening and listening to classical music as well as The Lawrence Welk show.  He is a man of few words but he will lend a helping hand without any hesitation.

Tjong is survived by his wife, Kiong of Cerritos, CA; son, Danny Kwa of Stanton, CA; daughters - Nancy Heairet of Costa Mesa, CA, and Susan Uchida (Peter) of La Habra, CA.  He also left behind two grandchildren Dee Heairet and Ashlee Kwa.

His death was preceded by parents Kwa Soen Hoo and Ien Nio Goei; brother Kwa Tjong Poen and sister Kwa Lioe Nio.

Visitation arrangements Monday, April 17, 2023, 1pm – 4pm at Forest Lawn Cypress in the Devotion Room with light refreshments throughout.

Funeral services Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:30am – 12:30pm at Forest Lawn Cypress at Patriots Chapel.