Obituary of Theo Go

Theo Kiangie Go, 94, took his last breath peacefully in Simi Valley on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after a brief battle with his health at the hospital. He was with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law when he was called home to our Lord and Savior. 

Theo was born on October 6, 1930, in Surabaya, Indonesia, where he spent all of his childhood and early adult life. Theo grew up within the Dutch culture due to their colonization of Indonesia since the 1600s. It wasn’t until 1949, when Theo was 19, that the Dutch government finally left the country.  Theo went to Dutch schools and learned how to speak Dutch and English fluently, in addition to Indonesian.  Being a student of language, Theo would often share common sayings and phrases in Dutch and Indonesian with his children and grandchildren. 

Theo took joy in many activities and hobbies, with one especially credited to meeting his wife, Elly.  Theo was a popular local DJ named Blue Star when he met Elly and courted her with many songs from his radio station.  He married Elly in 1972 and they lived in Surabaya, Indonesia.  In September 1984, they immigrated to the United States with their two daughters, joining the rest of his immediate family who were already in the US.  Theo and his family lived in Southern California, in the San Fernando Valley area, until his daughters went off to college, and finally settled in Simi Valley in 2003.  

As a child growing up during World War II, Theo admired soldiers and found great interest in historical information, stories, and movies on wars.  Soccer was his number one sport along with tennis and boxing.  He spent many hours watching soccer games, no matter what languages they were broadcasted in. 

Another favorite hobby of Theo was chess.  He was a master at it and had the acumen for the game.  He enjoyed playing the game both competitively and leisurely.  Those who are passionate for the game found in him a great adversary.  

Theo lived a full life surrounded by his family and friends.  Although he stayed super sharp in his later years, he had struggled with declining short term memory and ailing health.  He was under the care of Vista at Simi Valley assisted living and memory care center for the last couple of years, in and out of hospice care.  He leaves behind a loving family, including wife, Elly Go; children, Catharina (David) Allen and Joyce (Craig) Rohan; sister, Marian Wibowo; grandchildren, Carson Rohan, Matthew Rohan, Zachary Allen and Hannah Allen.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother, two brothers, and a grandson.  Our beloved husband, dad, papi, uncle, opa, brother, neighbor, and friend will be missed tremendously.  

Theo’s funeral service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Simi Valley, California, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, starting with the viewing at 10 am and Mass at 10:30 am.  He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California, with the interment at noon.