Gerald, the great grandson of founder Soji Fukui, is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 1975. After graduating, Gerald followed in the tradition of providing caring and compassionate services to families.
Active in the funeral industry since 1970, he is a member of the California Funeral Director's Association and the National Funeral Director's Association. Being a licensed funeral director since 1980, Gerald has carried on the legacy of Soji by providing a needed service as well as supporting the community and its many organizations. Gerald is an active member of Nisei Week, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Kizuna, Keiro, Japanese Optimist Club, Little Tokyo Service Center, and more.
Gerald, the great grandson of founder Soji Fukui, is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 1975. After graduating, Gerald followed in the tradition of providing caring and compassionate services to families.
Active in the funeral industry since 1970, he is a member of the California Funeral Director's Association and the National Funeral Director's Association. Being a licensed funeral director since 1980, Gerald has carried on the legacy of Soji by providing a needed service as well as supporting the community and its many organizations. Gerald is an active member of Nisei Week, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Kizuna, Keiro, Japanese Optimist Club, Little Tokyo Service Center, and more.
Born in Tokyo during the U.S. Occupation of Japan post WWII, she graduated from UCLA with a BA in French in 1972 and studied the Japanese language/culture in Japan from 1974-1975.
She has continued her father, Soichi's, legacy since his early death in 1981 with brother Gerald and sister Christine. In addition to being Secretary and Treasurer of Fukui Mortuary, she is also licensed as a Funeral Director and Preneed Counselor.
Her community work is with various Japanese American veteran organizations including the Military Intelligence Service Association of Southern California (1981-2015), the National Japanese American Veterans Council (2004 - 2014); the Go For Broke National Education Center (1997-present); the Nisei Veterans Coordinating Council (2011-Present); the Grateful Crane Ensemble (2016-Present).
Married and a mother of two boys, her oldest son, Eric joined the Fukui Family Staff as a Funeral Director and Family Counselor since 2003.
Born in Tokyo during the U.S. Occupation of Japan post WWII, she graduated from UCLA with a BA in French in 1972 and studied the Japanese language/culture in Japan from 1974-1975.
She has continued her father, Soichi's, legacy since his early death in 1981 with brother Gerald and sister Christine. In addition to being Secretary and Treasurer of Fukui Mortuary, she is also licensed as a Funeral Director and Preneed Counselor.
Her community work is with various Japanese American veteran organizations including the Military Intelligence Service Association of Southern California (1981-2015), the National Japanese American Veterans Council (2004 - 2014); the Go For Broke National Education Center (1997-present); the Nisei Veterans Coordinating Council (2011-Present); the Grateful Crane Ensemble (2016-Present).
Married and a mother of two boys, her oldest son, Eric joined the Fukui Family Staff as a Funeral Director and Family Counselor since 2003.
Herman Kodachi has been serving families as a counselor at Fukui Mortuary for over 20 years. He has been the Vice President since 2002, overseeing the operations of Fukui Mortuary. Herman is a licensed funeral director and pre-need counselor. He finds working with people during a difficult time in their life to be an honor and a responsibility that he takes seriously. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he graduated from Wilson High School and attended the University of Puget Sound. He moved to Los Angeles to further his education in business. Herman enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine, his son, Kobe, and his daughter, Camille. Herman is an avid sports fan having played baseball in college. He finds that there are many life lessons to be learned on the playing field about commitment, hard work, and teamwork.
Herman Kodachi has been serving families as a counselor at Fukui Mortuary for over 20 years. He has been the Vice President since 2002, overseeing the operations of Fukui Mortuary. Herman is a licensed funeral director and pre-need counselor. He finds working with people during a difficult time in their life to be an honor and a responsibility that he takes seriously. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he graduated from Wilson High School and attended the University of Puget Sound. He moved to Los Angeles to further his education in business. Herman enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine, his son, Kobe, and his daughter, Camille. Herman is an avid sports fan having played baseball in college. He finds that there are many life lessons to be learned on the playing field about commitment, hard work, and teamwork.
As great-great grandson of founder, Soji Fukui, 5th generation Californian, Eric Tanaka, feels a sense of pride in the commitment of continuing the Fukui Mortuary legacy. A marketing graduate from California State University at Fullerton, Eric has been at Fukui since 1999. As a funeral director, he is lauded by ministers and families alike for his professionalism and dedication.
As great-great grandson of founder, Soji Fukui, 5th generation Californian, Eric Tanaka, feels a sense of pride in the commitment of continuing the Fukui Mortuary legacy. A marketing graduate from California State University at Fullerton, Eric has been at Fukui since 1999. As a funeral director, he is lauded by ministers and families alike for his professionalism and dedication.
Sarah, the great-great granddaughter of founder Soji Fukui, joined Fukui Mortuary in April 2022. Born in Los Angeles, Sarah attended Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Biology. She continued her education, receiving a Masters of Science in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases from George Washington University. She then returned home to LA and made a career pivot, working as a Behavior Therapist with young autistic children.
When faced with the pandemic and social justice reckoning occurring in the US, Sarah realized she had the opportunity to continue the legacy of a 100+ year old minority-owned small business. She hopes to change the outlook and conversation on death and dying, while providing a safe space to ask questions and talk about something that is often scary and avoided. Sarah is involved with Nisei Week, Little Tokyo Community Council, Little Tokyo Service Center, JACCC, and looks forward to finding new, innovative ways to stay involved and keep our community thriving.
Having grown up in LA and playing basketball since she was 5, Sarah is an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan. She also enjoys spending time with her dog (and Mortuary mascot), Drake.
Sarah, the great-great granddaughter of founder Soji Fukui, joined Fukui Mortuary in April 2022. Born in Los Angeles, Sarah attended Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Biology. She continued her education, receiving a Masters of Science in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases from George Washington University. She then returned home to LA and made a career pivot, working as a Behavior Therapist with young autistic children.
When faced with the pandemic and social justice reckoning occurring in the US, Sarah realized she had the opportunity to continue the legacy of a 100+ year old minority-owned small business. She hopes to change the outlook and conversation on death and dying, while providing a safe space to ask questions and talk about something that is often scary and avoided. Sarah is involved with Nisei Week, Little Tokyo Community Council, Little Tokyo Service Center, JACCC, and looks forward to finding new, innovative ways to stay involved and keep our community thriving.
Having grown up in LA and playing basketball since she was 5, Sarah is an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan. She also enjoys spending time with her dog (and Mortuary mascot), Drake.
Mariko Gardner was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. After attending a relative’s memorial service, Mariko realized that the funeral ritual gave great comfort and closure to her family in their time of sorrow and loss. With the support and blessing of her father, who she always considered to be a source of motivation and inspiration throughout her life, Mariko attended Cypress College achieving a degree in Mortuary Science in 2007. Mariko believes that a funeral service is universally one of the most important and sacred rituals of life, and she is committed to providing the best of care and guidance to families in their time of need.
Mariko looks forward to her yearly visits with her family in Tokyo, and enjoys spending her vacations at the various onsens (hot spring resorts) all over Japan. In her spare time, Mariko is a devotee of movies and NBA games, and enjoys playing tennis with her friends. A self-proclaimed “cat lover”, Mariko is the proud adopted parent of lovely cats.
Mariko Gardner was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. After attending a relative’s memorial service, Mariko realized that the funeral ritual gave great comfort and closure to her family in their time of sorrow and loss. With the support and blessing of her father, who she always considered to be a source of motivation and inspiration throughout her life, Mariko attended Cypress College achieving a degree in Mortuary Science in 2007. Mariko believes that a funeral service is universally one of the most important and sacred rituals of life, and she is committed to providing the best of care and guidance to families in their time of need.
Mariko looks forward to her yearly visits with her family in Tokyo, and enjoys spending her vacations at the various onsens (hot spring resorts) all over Japan. In her spare time, Mariko is a devotee of movies and NBA games, and enjoys playing tennis with her friends. A self-proclaimed “cat lover”, Mariko is the proud adopted parent of lovely cats.
Born and raised in Kawaguchi City, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Yoshinori Okamoto emigrated from Japan to Los Angeles, California in 1994 to attend college and improve his English Language skills. Having worked over the years as a limousine driver, a tour guide and a retail apparel store manager, Yoshinori realized that he was naturally drawn to a customer service career because it provided him a great sense of contentment and fulfilled his innate desire to help others. It was this desire to be of assistance to others that eventually led him to become a Family Counselor at Fukui Mortuary in 2013 where he serves both English and Japanese speaking families. Yoshinori currently resides in Torrance, where in his spare time he enjoys practicing Karate. Yoshi also loves watching baseball games and dining out at local restaurants with his lovely wife.
Born and raised in Kawaguchi City, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Yoshinori Okamoto emigrated from Japan to Los Angeles, California in 1994 to attend college and improve his English Language skills. Having worked over the years as a limousine driver, a tour guide and a retail apparel store manager, Yoshinori realized that he was naturally drawn to a customer service career because it provided him a great sense of contentment and fulfilled his innate desire to help others. It was this desire to be of assistance to others that eventually led him to become a Family Counselor at Fukui Mortuary in 2013 where he serves both English and Japanese speaking families. Yoshinori currently resides in Torrance, where in his spare time he enjoys practicing Karate. Yoshi also loves watching baseball games and dining out at local restaurants with his lovely wife.
Mike was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. He and his wife both studied English as a second language prior to moving to the United States in 1986. Having worked as a computer engineer in Japan, Mike acquired an engineering job for a computer company in Los Angeles. He worked as a consultant for manufacturing and designing computer application systems for more than 30 years.
In 2018, Mike’s father passed away and through that experience, he realized the important role of funeral counselors in alleviating heavy burdens for families as they grieve their loss. For this reason, he made a choice to begin working in the funeral industry, helping other families during their time of need.
Mike was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. He and his wife both studied English as a second language prior to moving to the United States in 1986. Having worked as a computer engineer in Japan, Mike acquired an engineering job for a computer company in Los Angeles. He worked as a consultant for manufacturing and designing computer application systems for more than 30 years.
In 2018, Mike’s father passed away and through that experience, he realized the important role of funeral counselors in alleviating heavy burdens for families as they grieve their loss. For this reason, he made a choice to begin working in the funeral industry, helping other families during their time of need.
Hideaki Magome came from a banking and accounting background, before joining Fukui Mortuary. After experiencing the loss of his brother, he appreciated the service the funeral home provided to his family, which he described as caring and not “sales-led”. He felt working at Fukui would be a good match to his own experience with funeral homes.
Hideaki is a hardworking, honest, dedicated, and a punctual individual. He enjoys working at Fukui, and getting the opportunity to meet and have empathy for each family’s unique situation. He takes pride in doing an essential job for the community. He works hard to guide his families with compassion, dignity, and respect.
In his free time, Hideaki lives an active lifestyle and loves to exercise. He previously enjoyed playing hockey for multiple teams for over a decade.
Hideaki Magome came from a banking and accounting background, before joining Fukui Mortuary. After experiencing the loss of his brother, he appreciated the service the funeral home provided to his family, which he described as caring and not “sales-led”. He felt working at Fukui would be a good match to his own experience with funeral homes.
Hideaki is a hardworking, honest, dedicated, and a punctual individual. He enjoys working at Fukui, and getting the opportunity to meet and have empathy for each family’s unique situation. He takes pride in doing an essential job for the community. He works hard to guide his families with compassion, dignity, and respect.
In his free time, Hideaki lives an active lifestyle and loves to exercise. He previously enjoyed playing hockey for multiple teams for over a decade.
Takeshi was born in Tokyo, Japan and came to United States in 1977, at the age of 14. His familt settled in South Los Angeles, where he attended and graduated from Schurr High School in Montebello. Currently Takeshi lives in the South Bay with his wife.
Before coming to Fukui Mortuary, Takeshi worked in the Hospitality Industry for 30 years, working for 3 different tour companies where he arranged tours and assisted Japanese tourists in need throughout the United States. With tourism down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Takeshi decided to look elsewhere for other career opportunities.
In September 2020, Takeshi's dad passed away and he contacted Fukui Mortuary for the funeral service. From that experience, Takeshi realized there are some similarities in both the funeral and hospitality industries and felt he could contribute with his skillset. Takeshi then joined Fukui Mortuary as a Family Counselor in March 2021.
Takeshi enjoys watching MLB games, PGA and LPGA tournaments, as well as playing a few rounds of golf himself every month. And of course, he enjoys eating great foods!!
Takeshi was born in Tokyo, Japan and came to United States in 1977, at the age of 14. His familt settled in South Los Angeles, where he attended and graduated from Schurr High School in Montebello. Currently Takeshi lives in the South Bay with his wife.
Before coming to Fukui Mortuary, Takeshi worked in the Hospitality Industry for 30 years, working for 3 different tour companies where he arranged tours and assisted Japanese tourists in need throughout the United States. With tourism down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Takeshi decided to look elsewhere for other career opportunities.
In September 2020, Takeshi's dad passed away and he contacted Fukui Mortuary for the funeral service. From that experience, Takeshi realized there are some similarities in both the funeral and hospitality industries and felt he could contribute with his skillset. Takeshi then joined Fukui Mortuary as a Family Counselor in March 2021.
Takeshi enjoys watching MLB games, PGA and LPGA tournaments, as well as playing a few rounds of golf himself every month. And of course, he enjoys eating great foods!!
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Russell is an example of the ethnic melting pot of Southern California. He and his family have always been involved in the community, from the temple and its youth groups, several sports programs and Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout. Russell continues to reconnect and remains grounded in our community.
After graduating from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Psychology, he worked with children and adolescents with Autism/Aspergers, and other various learning and developmental disorders. Through this, he found working with families and individuals to be highly gratifying. Having also helped guide many families through putting their pre-need wishes on file, he feels a great sense of duty, respect, and reward for helping others through delicate and difficult decisions. While remaining professional, his friendly and sensitive nature helps bring about an ease in interacting with people. With his energy and passion for serving families, he feels honored to represent the Fukui tradition that serviced many of his own family members, and continue its great legacy.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Russell is an example of the ethnic melting pot of Southern California. He and his family have always been involved in the community, from the temple and its youth groups, several sports programs and Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout. Russell continues to reconnect and remains grounded in our community.
After graduating from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Psychology, he worked with children and adolescents with Autism/Aspergers, and other various learning and developmental disorders. Through this, he found working with families and individuals to be highly gratifying. Having also helped guide many families through putting their pre-need wishes on file, he feels a great sense of duty, respect, and reward for helping others through delicate and difficult decisions. While remaining professional, his friendly and sensitive nature helps bring about an ease in interacting with people. With his energy and passion for serving families, he feels honored to represent the Fukui tradition that serviced many of his own family members, and continue its great legacy.
A native Los Angeleno, Terry graduated LATTC with a degree in Electronics and worked in the aerospace industry for 30 years. In his spare time, he volunteered his services to Little Tokyo Senior Nutrition Services, delivering meals to the senior citizens in the Boyle Heights and Monterey Park area. Terry also worked at Centenary United Methodist Church of Los Angeles as a custodian, cleaning the church and maintaining the facility doing minor repairs and assisting at church services. He joined the staff of Fukui Mortuary in 2011, at the recommendation of Reverend Mark Nakagawa, Senior Pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church.
A native Los Angeleno, Terry graduated LATTC with a degree in Electronics and worked in the aerospace industry for 30 years. In his spare time, he volunteered his services to Little Tokyo Senior Nutrition Services, delivering meals to the senior citizens in the Boyle Heights and Monterey Park area. Terry also worked at Centenary United Methodist Church of Los Angeles as a custodian, cleaning the church and maintaining the facility doing minor repairs and assisting at church services. He joined the staff of Fukui Mortuary in 2011, at the recommendation of Reverend Mark Nakagawa, Senior Pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church.
Born and raised in México City, Angel received his Bachelor's Degree in History from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (National University of México). He came to Los Angeles in 1985, to visit his uncle and stayed to study English and Music. As a troubadour, he specializes in folk and popular music of México and Latin-America, performing at various community functions. He also worked for the Argentinian Consulate, as an assistant to the Consul General before he started working in the Funeral Industry. Before joining Fukui Mortuary in 2001, Angel had directed funeral services for a Funeral Transportation Company that serviced many mortuaries in the Los Angeles area. Actualmente asistimos durante este difícil trance a las personas en busca de un servicio digno y respetuoso.
Born and raised in México City, Angel received his Bachelor's Degree in History from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (National University of México). He came to Los Angeles in 1985, to visit his uncle and stayed to study English and Music. As a troubadour, he specializes in folk and popular music of México and Latin-America, performing at various community functions. He also worked for the Argentinian Consulate, as an assistant to the Consul General before he started working in the Funeral Industry. Before joining Fukui Mortuary in 2001, Angel had directed funeral services for a Funeral Transportation Company that serviced many mortuaries in the Los Angeles area. Actualmente asistimos durante este difícil trance a las personas en busca de un servicio digno y respetuoso.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Great great-grandson and fifth generation descendent, Kevin Kohler, grew up in the Los Angeles area. After graduating from the University of California San Diego with a degree in Biophysics, Kevin returned to Los Angeles to explore different career paths. He then joined Fukui Mortuary 2017, as a lifelong member of the Accounting Department.
A big fan of sports, dogs, and food, he enjoys coaching basketball and finding "the best food spots" in his free time.
Great great-grandson and fifth generation descendent, Kevin Kohler, grew up in the Los Angeles area. After graduating from the University of California San Diego with a degree in Biophysics, Kevin returned to Los Angeles to explore different career paths. He then joined Fukui Mortuary 2017, as a lifelong member of the Accounting Department.
A big fan of sports, dogs, and food, he enjoys coaching basketball and finding "the best food spots" in his free time.