Minoru Mike Okada's Obituary
Minoru (Mike) Okada, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on August 14, 2018 at his place of residence in Tacoma, WA. Mike was born on April 1, 1930 in Wenatchee, WA., to the parents of Torazo and Misato Okada, and was one of nine children. On June 4, 1942 many family members were detained by the U.S. War relocation authority and were moved to Heart Mountain Internment camp in Wyoming, when released on October 24, 1945 the family returned to Wenatchee, WA.
Growing up he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, was known for being a practical jokester, for his impeccable work ethic & dedication, his love for fast cars, and for dating beautiful woman. He proudly joined the US Army on March 21, 1951 to serve his country as a field radio installation/repair officer, a Tactical Artillery Commo chief, was a Vietnam Veteran and retired from the U.S. Army on November 1, 1974. His bravery, dedication, and work ethics shined, earning him a Bronze Star medal, two Oak Leaf Cluster awards, along with numerous other awards for his courage, dedication, and outstanding performance. He also was employed with Occidental Chemical Corporation for 13 years before retiring.
Mike was married twice, he married Jane Kokoriss in March 1959, they had two children together; James and Carmen, but were divorced in September 1968. Mike married Marianne Rodriguez in February 1975, they enjoyed traveling, going on cruises; loved being with family, lived a wonderful life together until the love of his life passed away on October 8, 2009. Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, for his outstanding work ethics, his pride of serving in the U.S. Army, his sense of humor and for his amazing smile. Mike is survived by his sisters Kimiyo Nagata, Aiko Hutton, brothers Yasushi Okada (Joyce), Haihachiro Okada (Guhee), daughter Carmen Okada-LaCrosse (Charles), Step Daughter Kathreen Gibbs (Billy), Step Son Ralph Rodrigues (Jennifer), Eight Grandchildren Natalie Okada-Flora (Darren), Alicia Moscone, Jason Christensen, Katrina Gonzalez (Luis), Savannah Bartoli, Anthony Gibbs (Heather) , Emma and Madison Rodriguez and nine great Grandchildren Nathan Okada-Flora, Sophia Moscone, Dominic, Vincent and Charlee Gonzalez, Aubrianna and Lei’Lah Gibbs, Mayia and Sophia Bartoli. He is preceded in death by his wife Marianne, son James, brother Takashi, sisters Setsuko Uyeda, Toshiko Imanishi, and Yuriko Nakata.
The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Ridge Retirement Home, and the Tacoma Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s foundation by going to https://alzfdn.org/ and donate in his memory.
A Memorial Service for Minoru will be held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in the Garden Chapel. Following the committal ceremony a reception will be held in the Willow Room at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lakewood.
Share your memories of Minoru and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Minoru?
What’s a lesson you learned from Minoru?
Share a story where Minoru's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Minoru you’ll never forget.
How did Minoru make you smile?
