Rev. Toshio Okamoto

The Reverend Toshio Okamoto was called away to the Lord on March 27, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Dr. Sachiko Kohara Okamoto; loving father of Joel (Ruth) Okamoto, Martha Okamoto, and Rebecca Okamoto; dear father-in-law of the late Todd Peck; and devoted grandfather of Jacob, Peter and Thomas Okamoto and Andrew and Benjamin Peck. Beloved son of the late Konosuke and Eque Okamoto, and dearest brother of the late Fumiko (Buchanan), Takashi, Shigeo, Sumiko (Sugino) and Mariko (Tomiyama). Loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. And “Pastor” to the countless he served.

Rev. Okamoto leaves an enduring legacy as an ordained minister in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). He felt led to serve the Lord from age five and dedicated his life to bringing the Good News to those he touched. He inspired many to follow in his footsteps.

Rev. Okamoto started his ministry as pastor at the LCMS’s first mission church for Japanese Americans in Los Angeles. He then served for 35 years across the Michigan District as a pastor, mentor, circuit counselor and vice president. After retiring from congregational ministry, he continued to serve others as a mediator, teacher and visiting preacher.

While Rev. Okamoto was known for his preaching, teaching, and leadership, he also loved to make the church an inviting place for people to belong. He hosted Shrove Tuesday dinners, featuring his secret-recipe pancakes; served as a karate instructor; started a Stephen Ministry to provide spiritual care and support; and called his congregation to worship through music.

Visitation will be at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040 on March 30, 2026, from 5-8 PM. The funeral service will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1285 Main Street, Hamilton, OH 45013 on March 31, 2026, at 11 AM. He will be buried in a private interment.

Memorials may be directed to Concordia Seminary for the Toshio and Sachiko Okamoto Endowment (Address: Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105).