Russie Harumi Hisatake (93) passed away, with his son James at his bedside on Wednesday, July 06, 2022 in Murray, Utah. Russ was born in Paahau, Hawaii to Kimiyo and Itsuo Hisatake on March 26, 1929.
In early 1961, Russ met Johanna K. Wachter while he was stationed at the army base in Bamberg, Germany. His military assignment to Bamberg ended in 1963. Russ' next duty station was in Ukiah, California. Johanna joined him there in December of 1963 where they subsequently married. Russ retired from active military duty in 1974 and the family settled in Draper, Utah.
Dad’s life was, at its core, about service to others. He spent his early life supporting his family through the depths of the Great Depression and World-War II. He then spent the next twenty years of his life in service to his country – including tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam, and the European theater. After his first retirement, Russ went on to serve the state of Utah – working for the DWR, Parks & Recreation and, finally, as an educator with SLCC. After his beloved wife suffered an aneurysm in 1994, dad became her primary caregiver until her passing in 2017. Russ spent his later years volunteering for the Rocky Mountain Care Hospice in Riverton, Utah.
His hobbies and recreational activities included carpentry, fishing, watching his favorite sports teams – The Yankees, The Cowboys, and The Jazz. Visits to Wendover and Las Vegas were also part of his recreational agenda. Travel and vacation ventures involved occasional trips to Germany and Hawaii.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers. He is survived by one sister, a sister-in-law in Germany and numerous nieces and nephews. In the U.S. he is survived by his son James; brother-in-law Bill Nunley and sister Evelyn Nunley (UT); sister-in-law Tomiko Hisatake (KY) as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Hawaii, California, Utah, Kentucky, and New York.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held at the mortuary from 10:30 - 11:30 AM prior to the graveside service. If you would like to watch the recorded services online, please click on the blue "Watch Services" box above.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rocky Mountain Care in Riverton, Utah.
Russ was a wonderful example of dedication to family, country and community. Even in his later years he found ways to serve. He was a great neighbor and he will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to James.
THANK YOU ,FOR YOUR SERVICE ..REST IN PEACE.
Dear James,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a speech therapist that worked with your mom, and your Dad was always there , for a long time (Healthsouth). For years after that Your father and I kept in contact via Christmas Cards every year. He is such an amazing man! His love for your mom was awesome and together they were so cute! I ran into them out at Wendover one day. Your mom didn't remember me, but your Dad sure did! I feel grateful I got to be a small part of their lives. He always talked about you and included you in his Christmas letters. Through that I feel like I kind of know you too. Sending you hugs, and prayers that you may find peace and happiness in your memories of your great parents! Eileen Paul
Dear James,
I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I pray that The Lord grants you comfort and peace during this time of bereavement. I’m always here for you my friend. May God bless and keep you.
Reggie
I got to know Russ over the time I worked at Rocky Mountain Care in Riverton. Russ was the first one to say hello in the morning and always made sure I had something to eat if he noticed I hadn't left my office for lunch. When my spouse died in 2013 he had words of advice and a hug for me when he came to the funeral. He touched my heart in a way he never knew. I think of him often and his caring and loving way he cared for his wife and wouldn't leave her side when she declining. After she was gone he was a positive influence for all of us in the building where is so graciously volunteered his time. I will always remember with extreme admiration how he made sure our entire staff had Christmas treats from Hawaii every year. He certainly left an imprint on my life.
12 years ago we bought an empty field in front of Russ + Johanna’s home and built a big white house that our boys could grow up in.
Russ + Johanna graciously accepted this big change (they had lived in their home since the early 1960’s) & in their own quiet ways generously welcomed us as neighbors.
Russ’ life was dedicated to service. He could always be seen wearing his veterans hat representing service in 2 different wars: Korea + Vietnam. My sons really respected this about him.
We watched as he lovingly cared for Johanna after her strokes. Then he regularly visited patients in the hospice center which cared for his wife, for many years after her death.
He mowed the grass down our shared driveway. He plowed the snow in front of our garage with his tiny ancient tractor. He always brought Hawaiian macadamia nut chocolates for Christmas. He raised the American flag on a small pole in front of his house every morning, and took it down every evening.
We are so grateful to have known him. And send we James all of our love + support. James - we are so glad that you are going to continue to be our neighbor ❤️
