Obituary of Tom Urabe

Tom Urabe, age 91, born August 11, 1925 in San Luis Obispo, CA, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the VA Medical Center surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by parents, Ichisaku and Midori (Matsuo) Urabe; sisters, Helen Tsunoda, Frances Yamada, Norma Kikuchi, Grace Ikuma and Hazel Teraoka; brothers, Junichi Urabe, Paul Urabe, Frank Urabe and Isamu Urabe; and grandson, Ahren Urabe. Survived in death by brothers, Jack Urabe, George Urabe and John Urabe; son, Stephen Urabe (Chelle); daughter-in-law, Barb Urabe; granddaughters, Cara Urabe-Rasoul (Shariff) and Kristina Ebert (Wade); great-grandchildren, Ames and Emerson; and many loving extended family members. After attending high school, Tom became a part of the U.S. Army and served in the Military Police while deployed in the European Theater, stationed outside of Paris, France (shortly after victory in Europe was declared in World War II). Tom said some of his favorite memories were during his service, including skiing in the Swiss Alps, picnicking in French fields, and exploring Italy. Upon returning to the United States, Tom began his career as a Chicken Sexor. This brought him to Chicago, IL and eventually Rochester, MN, where he remained until moving to Richfield, MN to be closer to his family. Tom often enjoyed sharing with others his time on both the Dirty Jobs and Martha Stewart television shows featuring his career field. Tom had a quick wit, a loving personality, fantastic laugh and infectious smile that will be remembered by all he came in contact with.