NVC Foundation Japanese American Memorial Wall

Fred was born to Harry and Tamayo Kondo on June 12, 1920 in Cheney, Wa. He spent his childhood years there as well as in Rosalia, Wa. His family later moved to Priest River, Idaho, where he graduated from high school. He helped in the family laundry business while growing up. Fred attended the University of Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. He enlisted in the Army, and was a cannoneer in the 3rd Gun Section "Leilani" of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, B Battery. Towards the end of his tour of duty in Europe he served as an interpreter for the Army in Germany, having taken German language courses in college. When he returned from the war, he resumed his education, studying law at the University of Michigan. He met his future wife Michi, who was a nursing student at the University of Michigan, and upon graduating, they married and settled in Priest River where they had four daughters, Kimi, Nancy, Patty and Tina. Fred had a solo practitioner law office and practiced there until his death in 1971.