Setsuo Takenaka, age 87, passed away peacefully in his home on November 16, 2017.
He was born May 5, 1930 in Salt Lake City to Harry Matsuzo and Yoso Takenaka. As a young man he lived in Japan from 1935-1949 and then returned to Salt Lake. He married Akiko Ikegami on June 19, 1955.
He worked his whole life to support his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He worked at the Kennecott Utah Copper Mine for 30 years, and was a life long gardener with a green thumb. Later in life, the two things he truly looked forward to was going to Wendover and Las Vegas to play blackjack, and to attend his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He often stated his proudest achievement in life was his family and it showed in his devoted attendance at his grandkids games and activities (he was their #1 fan).
He is survived by his sons and daughter; Gary (Kathy), Linda, Jeff (Lori), and Greg. Grandchildren; Eric, Jake, Chase, Isaac, and Owen. Siblings; Harue Nakai, Akiko Okamoto, Nancy (Fred) Miyake, Youko Judy Okamoto, Yukiko (Takaji) Nakamura, Yukuo (Akiko) Takenaka, Yoshiko Nakaoki, and sisters-in-law; Emiko Takenaka, Ine Takenaka, Keiko Takenaka, numerous in-laws, nephews and nieces.
Preceded in death by brothers; Torao, Ben Takeshi, Sueharu, as well as brothers-in-law Yasuhiro Nakai, Hiroyuki Roy Okamoto, and Akio Okamoto.
The family would like to express their special thanks to the caregivers at Intermountain Hospice for their loving care over the past several months.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens (Le Jardin Greenhouse) 1950 E Dimple Dell Road 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092. Private Family gathering afterwards. On-line condolences www.larkincares.com
