Jerry Masaru Okabe was born July 5, 1953 to Gerald and Stella Okabe in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jerry passed away December 4, 2016 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Jerry graduated from Davis High School in 1971. He served an LDS Mission in Sapporo where he met his wife, Shizuka. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity in 1976.
Jerry graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Communications. He and Shizuka had three beautiful children Michelle Michi, Matthew Makoto and Maryann Mika. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father with a firm testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jerry was a man of many talents including music and calligraphy. What he was most loved for was his selfless service and compassion. He fulfilled his lifelong dream of singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Jerry worked for over 25 years in magazine publishing and was recognized for excellence in his profession. When he wasn\t working, he could be found relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii. He was a devoted member of the LDS church. He served in numerous callings throughout his life ‚ his favorite being his weekly service in the Salt Lake City Temple. Jerry lived life to the fullest. Even after his diagnosis he continued serving others and never complained. He will be sorely missed.
Survived by Shizuka, Michelle (Lauritz) Petersen, Matthew, Maryann (David) Whiting, Aunt/Mom Mary Oniki, and siblings.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 10 , 2016 at 12 noon, with a viewing prior from 10:30-11:30am at the Granite LDS Stake Tabernacle, 2005 South 900 East, SLC, UT. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pancreatic Cancer Research at PanCan.org
