Obituary for Sam Saburo Tomoi
Sam Saburo Tomoi, 95, of rural Mitchell, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Kimball County Manor in Kimball, NE. Sam was born on August 8, 1927, in Mitchell, NE to Shimataro and Tamayo Tomoi. He was one of nine children, having lost a sister at birth. After graduating from Mitchell High School in 1945, Sam traveled to Los Angeles, California where he became a landscape gardener. Sam was called to duty by the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his basic training in Fort Ord, California, Sam was stationed in Germany and obtained the rank of Corporal. After his service, Sam returned home to Mitchell where he began his lifetime farming career. Sam married Anna Hara on December 14, 1957, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Together they had 3 children, Kathy, Don, and Jay to share their lives with. Sam was a partner with his brother Edwin Tomoi in their farming and custom hay grinding business. Sam farmed until retirement.
Sam’s hobbies included bowling and fishing, but his passion was his garden and his yard. Year after year, Sam’s garden produced a bounty of fruits and vegetables that he proudly shared with his family and friends. He received numerous awards at the Scottsbluff County Fair.
Sam is survived by his wife, Anna, and children Kathy (Randy Bohac) Tomoi of Kimball, Nebraska; Don (Diana) Tomoi of Fort Lupton, Colorado; and Jay (Julie) Tomoi of Greeley, Colorado, his brother Edwin Tomoi of Mitchell, Nebraska; six grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, five sisters, and his infant daughter.
His memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Jones Mortuary in Mitchell with Randy Bohac officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mitchell Valley Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to “Legacy of the Plains”. Please designate your gift in memory of Sam Tomoi to ensure the funds will benefit the Japanese Hall project. Online condolences may be made by viewing Sam’s memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com. Jones Mortuary in Mitchell is entrusted with arrangements.
Sam’s hobbies included bowling and fishing, but his passion was his garden and his yard. Year after year, Sam’s garden produced a bounty of fruits and vegetables that he proudly shared with his family and friends. He received numerous awards at the Scottsbluff County Fair.
Sam is survived by his wife, Anna, and children Kathy (Randy Bohac) Tomoi of Kimball, Nebraska; Don (Diana) Tomoi of Fort Lupton, Colorado; and Jay (Julie) Tomoi of Greeley, Colorado, his brother Edwin Tomoi of Mitchell, Nebraska; six grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, five sisters, and his infant daughter.
His memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Jones Mortuary in Mitchell with Randy Bohac officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mitchell Valley Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to “Legacy of the Plains”. Please designate your gift in memory of Sam Tomoi to ensure the funds will benefit the Japanese Hall project. Online condolences may be made by viewing Sam’s memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com. Jones Mortuary in Mitchell is entrusted with arrangements.