Robert Isao Uema

Born August 8, 1926, in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, Bob’s century of life spanned extraordinary changes in our nation and world. Throughout those years, he remained devoted to his family, Christian faith, service to his country, and a lifelong curiosity for how things worked.

Bob experienced hardship early in life when his mother died while he was still a child and he was subsequently raised by his aunt and uncle. Those early experiences helped shape the independence, perseverance, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic that characterized his life.

In 1946, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a radio repairman and attaining the rank of Corporal. He received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal for his service in Japan. After his military service, he remained in Japan as a civilian contractor working in communications in support of American military operations.

While in Japan, Bob met Tokiko Yamaya, the eldest daughter of a Japanese diplomat and businessman. They married in 1950, beginning an extraordinary marriage that would endure for 76 years. Their first son, George Kagari Uema, was born in Tokyo in 1951.

In 1952, Bob made a courageous decision that reflected the independence that marked his life. Rather than remain in Japan, where his young family might have enjoyed a comfortable life and the standing of Toki’s family, he returned to the United States to further his education and build a future on his own merits.

Toki and young George soon joined him in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Building a Japanese-American family in the Midwest only a few years after World War II brought challenges of culture, language, acceptance, and discrimination. Nevertheless, Bob and Toki persevered. Their second son, Elbert Kiyoshi Uema, was born in Milwaukee in 1955.

While supporting his young family, Bob attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and worked several jobs, eventually earning an associate degree in engineering. He went on to a career of more than 25 years with AC Spark Plug, a division of General Motors, concluding his career at the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan.

Engineering and electronics were more than Bob’s profession. He loved repairing radios and televisions and tinkering with electrical devices. He possessed the curiosity of someone who did not simply want to know that something worked—he wanted to understand how and why it worked.

Thirty-eight years ago, Bob and Toki made Arizona their home. They were active in church and community service, generously volunteering their time and talents. Especially in his later years, Bob’s faith in Jesus Christ became increasingly important to him. Much of his time was spent reading and writing in his large-print Bible.

Bob often expressed his faith and gratitude through small acts of kindness. He wrote handwritten notes and cards of encouragement and carried Japanese coffee candies to give to people who helped or served him. A note or piece of candy became his simple way of saying, “Thank you.”

As a father, Bob emphasized respect, responsibility, obedience, hard work, courtesy, and honor. He taught his sons that how they conducted themselves reflected not only upon themselves but also upon their family and Japanese heritage. With the perspective of years, those lessons became an important part of his legacy.

Bob and Toki spent their final four years together at Cadence Chandler Senior Living.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Tokiko Yamaya Uema; their sons, George Kagari Uema and his wife, Jami Lynn (Zandron) Uema, of Chandler, Arizona, and Elbert Kiyoshi Uema and his wife, Sue Carol (Gallie) Uema, of Farmington Hills, Michigan; granddaughter Elizabeth Emiko Moore and her husband, Jonathan Craig Moore; five great-grandchildren, Ava, Brody, Kendall, Kaia, and Macie; and great-great-granddaughter Selah, daughter of Ava.

His family represents five generations and a legacy extending far beyond the extraordinary number of years he was given.

Bob’s journey took him from Hawaii across the Pacific to Japan, Wisconsin, Michigan, and ultimately Arizona. He served his country, helped build a family across two cultures, worked his way through engineering school while supporting that family, built a successful career, and witnessed a century of remarkable change.

Yet his greatest legacy is not measured by the history he witnessed or the work he accomplished. It is found in the family he and Toki built together, the people they served, the character he sought to instill in his sons, and the Christian faith and values passed from one generation to the next.

His family gives thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of Bob’s 100 years of life and finds comfort in his faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of the Savior in whom he placed his trust.

A century of life. A family loved. A legacy of faith, courage, service, gratitude, and character carried forward through generations.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”

— Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)

Our Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Cadence Senior Living, 100 W Queen Creek Road, Chandler, Arizona 85248.