George Tashima, 80, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

He was born on March 13, 1937, in Holualoa-Kona, Hawaii, the son of Miyuki and Takie Tashima. George came to begin his Blooming Prairie teaching career in 1962 after graduating from Winona State University. He taught both math and science at BPHS, although he will be remembered most for the years of math. He also coached BPHS wrestling for 16 years, and continued to help out at the scorer’s table after he stepped away from coaching. George married Peggy on Dec. 17, 1982, in Blooming Prairie. They were blessed with two boys, Gary and Sam, and George enjoyed watching them grow up and share in their successes at school. Through the years, some of his favorite times were spent outdoors, whether that be in his bountiful garden, early morning rounds of golf, or Saturday morning hunting in the fall. He also enjoyed poker night with the long-time group that met Wednesday nights.

George is survived by his wife Peggy Tashima; sons, Gary Tashima of Houston, Texas, and Sam (Erin) Tashima of Detroit, Michigan; stepchildren, Beth Lane of Weatherford, Texas, and Matt (Sarah) Fandre of Lenexa, Kansas; one granddaughter, Margaret Katherine Emiko Tashima; six stepgrandchildren, Andrew, Sarah Beth, and Rachel Lane, and Lauren, Alexandra, and Nicholas Fandre; sisters, Midori Katano of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Minnie (Don) Allison of Fullerton, California; brothers, Minoru (Karen) Tashima of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and James (Nancy) Tashima of Captain Cook, Hawaii; sister-in-law Bernice Tashima of Pearl City, Hawaii; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miyuki and Takie Tashima; brother, Sadaharu Tashima; and brother-in-law Gary Katano.

The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the care teams of Mary Brigh 5F and 5G at Saint Marys Hospital for the tremendous love and support shared with George and his family during his illness.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie with Father Thomas Niehaus officiating. Burial will follow in St. Columbanus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harriet Ressler Scholarship Fund, PO Box 64, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 or a memorial of your choice. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.