In loving memory of

Akira R. Toki
January 17, 1916 - June 29, 2012

Madison - Akira Toki, age 96, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Willowcrest Care in South Milwaukee. He was born on January 17, 1916 in Madison Wi., the son of Henry and Sueno Toki. Akira served in the Army during WWII as part of the all Japanese 100th battalion. He received a Purple Heart.

Akira is survived by his wife, Mary Toki; his daughters, Welcome Sittig, Carol Abramson and Joy Smart; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and sister, Toshi Suzuki.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sueno Toki.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Avenue, on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Tributes

lois ann minnerly wrote on Feb 7, 2017:

"my name is lois ann minnerly, can you please tell me how i am related. my email address a_minnerly@outlook.com. thanks you very much"

Roger Boeker wrote on Jul 13, 2012:

"The Sons of the American Revolution awarded its distinguished citizenship medal to Toki a few years ago. It was to be a surprise presentation at the VA Hospital where Toki had volunteered literally thousands of hours to his comrades-in-arms. He was summoned for duty from the VA volunteer office to the Wall of Fame area of the first floor. More than a hundred people assembled to show their appreciation. When the certificate was awarded, the medal pinned upon him, and the applause ended, he was asked if he would like to say anything. Like the quiet hero he was, he said, "I've got to get back to work", and walked away. God Bless this fine example of American citizenship. "

LaVon Accola wrote on Jul 11, 2012:

"My deepest sympathy to Mary and her family. Akira was an incredible person. While working at Toki Middle School I had the pleasure of seeing him when he would drop by and visit us. He was a incredible human being and will be missed. My prayers and condolences to the Toki family. "

Ronn, Linda, Brooke Ferrell wrote on Jul 9, 2012:

"Our prayers will include Mary and her family. We were honored to know Akira and Mary from the neighborhood and from their vast number of hours volunteered at the VA Hospital in Madison where Linda worked for many years. Akira will be missed by those who knew him. His life was one we should all emulate. Selfless devotion to family, the community, and the country exemplified his time on earth. Brooke attended Toki Middle School and enjoyed the time they were at the school and felt a special bond since they lived in our neighborhood. Thank you Akira, bless you Mary and family."

Ronn, Linda, Brooke Ferrell wrote on Jul 9, 2012:

"Our prayers will include Mary and her family. We were honored to know Akira and Mary from the neighborhood and from their vast number of hours volunteered at the VA Hospital in Madison where Linda worked for many years. Akira will be missed by those who knew him. His life was one we should all emulate. Selfless devotion to family, the community, and the country exemplified his time on earth. Brooke attended Toki Middle School and enjoyed the time they were at the school and felt a special bond since they lived in our neighborhood. Thank you Akira, bless you Mary and family."

Cheryl (Alapai) Baumgarten wrote on Jul 5, 2012:

"My prayers go out to Mary and her daughters. I have many memories of Dad and "Toki" talking together about the "old days" ... and the visits we have with Mary & Toki at their home in Madison. I also remember the two of them taking us to a shushi bar near the Capital. So, "Toki", say "HI" to my Dad when you get there. I think about him every day. "Go for Broke!" Love, Cheryl Leilani Nakamura Alapai Baumgarten"

Nani (Alapai) Betcher wrote on Jul 5, 2012:

"Akira and my father, Abraham Alapai, served together in WWII. I have many happy memories of Akira and Mary. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. As they said, "Go for Broke!" Love, Nani"

Yurri wrote on Jul 4, 2012:

"Akira is the greatest man I know. He was like a father to me. I loved being with him and Mary throughout the years when they had their truck farming business and all the years he helped Poppa out in the store. So many fond memories I will always treasure and cherish. My heart goes out to Mary, Welcome, Carol and Joy. You were so blessed to have him as your husband/father and he felt blessed to have you. Love, Yurri"

Mel and Nancy Karg wrote on Jul 4, 2012:

"With Akira passes one of the last of the "Greatest Generation". It was an honor to know him. Our condolences to his wife Mary and the family."

MaryAnn Anderson wrote on Jul 3, 2012:

"Mr. Toki was the perfect and most inspirational namesake for our Madison middle school! His exceptional and dignified life and generosity in sharing with generations of students has and will enrich young lives. He leaves a leagacy of integrity and caring. We were so blessed to know him."