Yoneo Okimoto Obituary (1931

Yoneo Okimoto, 93, of Highland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 14, surrounded by loving family. Yoneo was born in the Japanese fishing community of Terminal Island, California to the late Fujisaburo and Isayo Okimoto. Due to World War II’s Executive Order 9066, his family was removed from their home and held in an internment camp, first in a racing stable and then in Arkansas. Afterwards, they moved to Capac, Michigan. After graduating from Capac High School, where he participated in football and basketball, Yoneo served in the United States Air Force, active duty from 1951-1955 and then in the Air Force Reserves until 1959. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he settled in Chicago, IL. He worked as a skilled technician for forty years. He was set up on a blind date with Jane Sagara, and on their first date they went to the famed Kon Tiki Ports restaurant. They were married for 60 wonderful years. Yoneo was a quiet, modest man who believed in "deeds, not words" and in providing for his family. He was an avid magazine and newspaper reader, collected coins and stamps, loved cars and the open road, supported Chicago sports teams, and took his family on road trips to the Grand Canyon, Washington D.C., and the country’s National Parks. After retirement, Yon and Jane relocated to South Pasadena, FL where they enjoyed the sunny climate, collecting shells on the sandy beaches, vacationing with family, visiting Disney and just “relaxing.” Beloved husband to Jane; loving father of Steven (Lisa) Okimoto of Mill Creek, WA, Karyn (Robert) Malench of Lake Forest, IL and Susan (Robert Ackerman) Okimoto of Chicago, IL. Dear "Papa" and "Ojichan" to Selene Malench, Elliot Okimoto, Sophie Ackerman and Isabel Ackerman. He was predeceased by siblings Fujio, Tamaye, and Kimiye Hayashi and is survived by siblings Shizuye and Michi as well as many nieces and nephews. Burial of cremated remains with military honors at Ft. Sheridan National Cemetery, in Ft. Sheridan, IL. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com