Obituary of Sam Saburo Funakoshi

Sam Funakoshi, 88, of Fort Lupton passed away at Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton.  He was born November 12, 1934 in Fort Lupton to Hirokichi Ota-Funakoshi and Tatsu Funakoshi where he was raised and graduated high school. 

Sam was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, serving until his honorable discharge on March 14, 1959. 

On August 18, 1962, Sam married Frances Reiko Tsukamoto at the Simpson Methodist Church in Denver. 

Sam worked on the family farm before serving in the Army and then returned home where he joined his father on the farm again.  His farming career lasted nearly 20 years, from 1952 to 1971 and then began a career in real estate in Fort Lupton with J.L. Sears before starting his own business, Midwest Realty and Insurance in 1981.  Their family farm still produces crops; peppers, spinach, kale, onions and so much more. 

Being on the farm, riding on tractors, and working on old cars brought Sam such pride and joy.  He loved walking around the yard in his soil-soaked shoes, taking in the changes of the seasons and looked forward to the greening fields each Spring.  He served many community organizations and also held offices including the Chamber of Commerce as President, Lions Club as President, North Metro Denver Realtor Association board member, Japanese American Citizens League and Trappers Day Grand Marshall. 

Thankful to have shared his life are his wife, Fran, their daughter, Lynelle (Dave) Detrick and two granddaughters; Summer and Jasmine Detrick as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Amy Urano, Fred, Kenny, Daisy Kiyota, Ruth Noda and Mary Masunaga. 

Sam’s Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Fort Lupton First United Methodist Church with a reception to follow.  Memorial gifts may be made to the “Arthritis Foundation” in care of Adamson, 2000 47^th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.  Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.