Theodore Yoshito Hirabayashi

Theodore (Ted) Y. Hirabayashi of Eden Prairie passed away on March 12, at the age of 91. 

He was born on Oct. 5, 1930, in Kent, Washington, where he grew up with his parents and seven siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Toshiharu and Midori; one sister, Helen (Kay) Ujifusa; five brothers, Martin, Grant, Bill, Sam, and Dan. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice; daughter, Sue; son, Alan (Joyce); three grandchildren, Matthew, Grant and Kaiya; sister, Ruth Yoshihashi; and many other relatives and dear friends. 

As a youth, Ted, his parents and some of his siblings were interned in Tule Lake in California and ultimately in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, during World War II. After the war, the family settled in Minneapolis. Ted obtained his bachelor’s degree and went on to work as an accountant and financial planner. He lived in Minneapolis, Madison, St. Louis and finally retired in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, before moving back to Minneapolis. 

Ted was a Korean War veteran (U.S. Air Force), Rotarian and an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling the world and attending reunions with his family, Korean War veterans, and elementary school classmates. During his life, Ted was also fortunate to reconnect and maintain relationships with the many childhood friends that he had in Kent, Washington, Heart Mountain, Wyoming, and Minneapolis. 

The family would like to thank all relatives, friends and caregivers for the care and compassion they showed Ted in his final days. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th & Highway 100, Edina, on Saturday, May 21. Visitation is at 11 a.m., and the service is at noon, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.