Obituary of Carl Keiji Iwasaki

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Carl Iwasaki.  He passed on February 7, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Shelley, and his sister Ann. 

Carl was born October 30, 1961, in Kaneohe, HI, graduated from Punahou School in 1980 and pursued a degree in Education and played collegiate baseball at the University of Northern Colorado.  He spent many years Coaching baseball in California, Texas and returned to Colorado to his Alma Mater in Greeley, Colorado where he coached Bears Baseball for 12 seasons, retiring at the end of the 2022 season. Carl’s legacy extends far beyond his coaching record, encompassing his impactful mentorship, athletic accomplishments, and commitment to academic success among his student-athletes. His other passions included spending time with his wife and dogs fly fishing, breathing in the mountain air and appreciating nature. Carl touched many lives both on the field and off. He loved and cared deeply for his family, players, and community, lifting others up and encouraging them to do the same.  

Carl is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shelley, sister Laurel (Theodore) Young, sister Ann (Doug) Wee, sister-in-law Carolyn (David) Iwasaki, Father-in-law Casey Siegel, Kay Lauree and Alan Mills and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Dr. Ernest Iwasaki, brother Dr. David Iwasaki and mother-in-law Jeanne Siegel. 

A Celebration of Carl’s life will be held sometime in the spring when the rivers are flowing and the grass on the baseball field is green, just how he liked it.