Zuiko Redding
December 15, 1943 ~ April 5, 2024
On April 5, 2024, Zuiko Redding passed away peacefully at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Zuiko was born December 15, 1943 to John and Effie Le Blanc in Mount Kisco, New York. She grew up in Texas where she encountered Zen Buddhism as a university student. She obtained a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977 and taught Sociology in several states.
Zuiko embarked upon advanced training in Zen when she studied in Milwaukee with Tozen Akiyama and in Minneapolis with Dainin Katagiri. In 1992 she was ordained in Japan by Tsugen Narasaki . She remained to practice under his direction at Zuioji Monaster, and its mountain training center, Shogoji. She was certified as a teacher in the Soto Zen tradition by Rev. Narasaki in 1996 and returned to the US in 1997.
Zuiko established the Cedar Rapids Zen Center in 1999 and served as its resident teacher until her death. She was active in the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County for many years.
According to her wishes, Zuiko has been cremated, with arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Information about her H��ji (49th day memorial service) will be shared on the Cedar Rapids Zen Center's website.
Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Rapids Zen Center, through their website.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Zuiko came to talk at my Stress Management class several years ago. She taught me Zazen and is a fascinating woman. She will be missed.
Zuiko was a friend and colleague. Beyond the joy of spiritual conversations over lunch together, Zuiko said ‘yes’ to lots of my requests through the years to partner in things like co-leading a Zen Buddhism-Contemplative Christian spirituality retreat for Cornell College students. Also to speak on campus as part of an inter-spiritual wisdom series on love, as well as on forgiveness.–subjects to deeply needed today.
Student’s savored her insights. Also her introduction to meditation from a Zen Buddhist perspective both in Allee Chapel through the Chaplain & Spirituality Life Office and in the classroom via the Cornell Religion Department.
Zuiko was inspiring, thoughtful, smart, beautiful, and heart-focused in her ministry not only to Cornell students but also for countless people in the greater CR area including through the CR Zen Center and The Inter-Religious Council of Linn County.
Peace to your beautiful soul, Zuiko amid your ongoing journey. I honor you.
Peace, Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel Emeritus Chaplain, Cornell College
She was a truly beautiful person
Dr. Jozef Figa
knew her. She did several presentations to the classes I taught at Kaplan University in Cedar Rapids. Students were impressed by her wisdom, spirituality and insights.
Zuiko presentations focused on Zen Buddhism. But they were, first and foremost, insight into life that is based on love, understanding and tolerance. There is something she taught me: How to do my best to avoid hurting others. I hope students also learned this lesson. It needed in the world in which we live.
She was beautiful person and a beautiful soul.
I always liked her. We met at Hokyoji. She would sometimes advise me in the prison ministry. She always had good advice. Rest in peace Zuiko.
Thank you, Zuiko, for your life. I could always call you up and be nourished by what you had to say about the Dharma. I will miss you being my neighbor and friend.
May this tree contribute to your memory, message and the flourishing of the Dharma in Iowa.
I knew Zuiko from her involvement with the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County. She is the one person who was most responsible in teaching people in Cedar Rapids about Buddhism. She was absolutely important in this regard. She spoke at our church, Christ Episcopal Church, and taught us many important truths. Through her kindness, we visited the CR Zen Center and felt the kindness that emanated from Zuiko and the Buddhists there. We will sorely miss her.
Charles Crawley
Cedar Rapids
Your presence in our lives was a blessing. You were a good friend to Deb. We hope these trees will grow & help nurture the world like you did.
Zuiko was one of the nicest people I’ve been blessed to meet in my lifetime. I know anyone who met her was a better person for knowing her. She was a gift.
From rakasu sewing in 1991 to living with you for 6 years on Lake Calhoun and many subsequent visits, it was always a joy to be around you, Zuiko-San. Thank you and deep gassho