Tatsuo Steven Shiraki
Tatsuo Steven Shiraki, 82, of Quincy, Illinois passed away on July 18, 2022 at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living.
Steve was born on February 15, 1940 in Lihue, Hawaii to Satoshi and Shina Shiraki.
Steve attended and graduated Kapa’a High School in 1958. He continued his education at Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College, now Truman State University, in Kirksville, MO. earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in School Administration.
Steve served in the Army (Sp E-5) after being drafted from 1965 to 1967. He was a Life member of the American Legion.
Steve taught primarily 5th and 6th grades in the Quincy Public Schools from 1968 to 2001. He taught at Jackson Elementary, Highland Riverside, Adams Elementary, Madison Elementary and Baldwin Intermediate schools. While teaching in the Quincy Public Schools, Steve was involved with the After School Sports programs. He was also involved with the Western Illinois School Employees (WISE) Credit Union. He also coached Little League for many summers.
He married Edith Sakagawa of Maui, HI on July 26, 1969 and had two children.
Steve enjoyed traveling, fishing and especially gardening. He enjoyed experimenting with different ways of planting and implemented a garden watering system that directly used the water from the clothes washer. He was a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club and enjoyed being involved with the Oratorical contest and Soap Box Derby. He also volunteered with Edith at the Quincy Hospitality House.
He is survived by his wife Edith, Son John (Kelly) Shiraki, Daughter Anne Shiraki, Sister Evelyn (Donald) Nagamine, Niece Lorna Nagamine and Nephew Donn (Susan) Nagamine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Satoshi and Shina Shiraki, and brother, Thomas Shiraki.
A Memorial Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy with private inurnment in Hanapepe, Hawaii. Memorials may be made to Blessing Hospitality House or Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club-Friend of the Youth. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man, always so kind to me. Love to you all
Edith, John and Anne, I am so very sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. When ever I would be with you , Steve was a very kind and friendly. Please know that I am keeping you all in my prayers. I told Sandy to give you a big ((Hug)) from me!
Continued prayers for Edith and the family! We are so lucky to have known Steve as a neighbor and friend. We will always cherish having such an amazing person to share all his gardening knowledge with us.
We both worked with Steve at Baldwin but I had the pleasure of working with him also at Madison. He was across the hall from Pat McGinley and down the hall I had my classroom. We put together many variety shows with our classes. He was loved by his students and those of us that got to teach with him. He touched so many lives in such a positive way! Our sympathy to you, Edith, John, and Anne. He will be greatly missed!
So sorry for your loss! Mr. Shiraki was a favorite of many students including my daughter. There needs to be more teachers like Mr. Shiraki.
Mrs. Shiraki, Jon,and Ann.
I’m deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My deepest heart felt wishes to you in this time of sorrow. Mr. Sharaki will be missed
Madison School kids are smarter and better humans due to Mr Shiraki; class act and a great teacher. Sorry for the family’s loss.
Mr. Shiraki was the most impactful teacher I ever had. I was in his fifth grade class at Adams Elementary school in 1974. He was absolutely the right teacher for me at the right time. I needed a male figure in my life that would have compassion on me and also hold me accountable for my thoughts and my actions. Steve Shiraki was that man. He was so gifted, so compassionate, so caring for all of his students and he impacts me to this day. He leaves a legacy amongst all of his students and I’m sure his family that will never be forgotten. Thank you Mr. Shiraki, for the blessing you were and still are on all the lives you touched over a wonderful career. Please accept my deepest condolences at the passing of Mr. Shiraki and May the Lord strengthen and comfort the Shiraki family during this difficult time. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love.
Thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Shiraki and family! He was an amazing teacher! I remember him bringing in calamari and seaweed to class one time. He is the reason I like sushi and calamari so much!! ❤️
Mr. Shiraki was an inspiration for me to become a teacher. He had a passion as an educator that has touched more lives than he will ever know.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you Edith, John, Anne and family.
Mr. Shiraki was one of my favorite teachers! It’s hard to choose when I also had Mrs. Shiraki for 4th at Berrian then Mr. For 5th grade at Baldwin South!
So many great memories! Each one of us that were lucky enough to have either of them as a teacher have benefitted- no doubt in my mind. My condolences to the family. Peace and ❤️ love.
It was a pleasure to help care for Steve and get to know the family during his time at quincy Healthcare and senior living. It was an honor and privilege to know you all. God bless you and know that you are thought of fondly at this time
Mr. Shiraki has always been by far my favorite teacher. Hie always had a smile on his face and had the best personality. My prayers to all of you for your loss.
Mr. Shiraki was our basketball coach at Madison. I still recall many of the little things he shared with us. He was so kind and patient with us no matter what. Just a terrific human! God bless his family.
Mr. Shiraki was my 5th & 6th grade teacher as well as my soccer coach. I have nothing but great memories of a great man. Edith, John, & Anne I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great role model for us growing up!
The family has my sympathy. It was a honor to know him.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. While I was not lucky enough to have Mr. Shiraki as a teacher, I do remember seeing him in the halls at Baldwin School and he always had a smile on his face. I do remember one specific occasion when my fifth grade class got invited into his class to try octopus! We were all so excited! A small memory, I know, but one that will stay with me forever. Please know that Mr. Shiraki touched so many lives during his time here with us.
I remember the summer before my 5th grade year…I opened my letter from school and it said my 5th grade teacher was Mr. Shiraki. I was not happy and quite frankly very scared to have him as a teacher. Wow…was I so wrong!! This man became my FAVORITE teacher! His creative teaching, dad funny jokes, and caring personality kept us wanting to learn. Plus the fact that he had a little bit of a scare factor in there…he could have his back to the class and STILL know what was going on…”(Student Name) put the note you passed on my desk and join the lesson”…not that I ever got my named called….just saying others did…hahah! During our 5th grade year he brought octopus back from his Christmas in Hawaii for all the 5th graders to try! He was even kind enough to come to my College graduation party and brought me a seashell necklace from Hawaii. I feel very blessed to have been one of his students. Thoughts and prayers go out to his Family!
My deepest sympathies to you Edith, John ,your wife, and Anne. Steve was such a wonderful person who always made me laugh. He and I had some really good times teaching together. I especially loved it when he would bring macadamia nut chocolates and octopus to school. Steve was A wonderful man and teacher. He always had something nice to say about everybody. May God and your wonderful memories comfort you during this sorrowful time. Kent and Sheila Stevenson.
My deepest condolences. What a phenomenal teacher. After being in the education field for 14 years I can say Mr. Shiraki’s heart and talent were one of a kind. I’m so blessed to have had him for my 6th grade teacher. ❤️
I will miss your contagious smile and joking personality! You will forever be my “leaning tower of Steve.” It was such a blessing to know and make memories with you! May your soul rest where you truly wanted to be, on the island. Condolences to the family at this time.
Edith, John, Anne & family. We want to express our deepest condolences. Steve was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. George is so very thankful for the great memories he has of him throughout the years. Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
My deepest sympathy Edith, John, and Anne. Steve was always a favorite of mine. He always found a way to make me smile. I pray for rest and peace for all of you.
What a kind man and accomplished teacher! Steve always seemed to be in a good mood. Fellow teachers could count on him for great advice and help when needed-always with a smile.
So sorry for your loss Edith, John and Anne.
My sincere condolences. I may not have known him as an adult, but I was lucky enough to have him as a fifth and sixth grade teacher. I even came on report card day at the end of 6th grade just to spend one more day with him. He will always be my favorite teacher and I will never forget him.
Mr. Shiraki was an excellent teacher. His big heart, smile and great teaching really touched our lives in 5th grade at Madison School. All the best to you, his family. May you enjoy lots of very good memories.
Edith, John and Anne: I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a great man and I always looked up to him. I am so thankful I had him as a teacher and my daughter did as well. God Bless you all and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask
So sorry for your family’s loss. I am honored to have been able to help take care of him ❤️ he brought a smile to my face every day at work. Sending hugs to you all