Akira "Archie" Hinahara

NEENAH - Akira "Archie" Hinahara, age 91, of Neenah, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, Wis.  The youngest of seven siblings, Archie was born on Sept. 26, 1930, in Crater Village (above Lahaina) in Maui, Hawaii, the son of Kunitaro and Fusayo (Goto) Hinahara.

Archie attended Kamehameha Elementary School and graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1948. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army for 3 ½ years, including a stint in Army Intelligence, stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. Archie was honorably discharged with a special commendation on Dec. 17, 1952. He returned to Hawaii briefly, working as a carpenter for the Pioneer Mill Co. in Lahaina while planning to go to art school using his G.I. Bill benefits. Archie was accepted to attend the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, then located on Rush Street. He loved living and learning his profession in the heart of Chicago.

When a recruiter from the Marathon Corporation offered positions in Neenah designing artwork for packaging, Archie was the first one accepted. He later worked for the Hoffmaster Company (and various iterations) for more than 30 years, creating original art for placemats and napkins used in restaurants across the U.S. In addition to this work, he created many paintings for friends and family for their homes.

Archie met the love of his life, Joan, at a local baseball game in Neenah, Wis., and they were married in August of 1956. They were together for 57 years, until her passing in December 2013. He was a devoted supporter of Joan’s plans and travel ideas. They loved their adventures traveling, including numerous trips to Hawaii.

Archie loved the seasons of Wisconsin, particularly fall when his beloved Packers kicked off each new season. One of his favorite stories was about attending the famous “Ice Bowl" in 1967 with his brother-in-law, Bob. He also loved winter, and after buying a snowblower he would regularly clear many of his neighbor’s sidewalks and driveways, especially after retiring.   

Archie truly enjoyed life. He loved to laugh and have fun. He loved to cook and eat and loved to feed others. He was genuinely a good man who loved and cared for others. In order, his priorities were: taking care of his family, friends and neighbors; cooking and eating; and his beloved Packers.

Archie was a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Doug (Juelaine Druckrey) Hinahara and Paul (Brenda) Hinahara; six grandchildren, Gabrielle (Nathan) Hinahara, Natalie Hinahara, Jordan (Aaron) Chase, Peter (Kristin) Hinahara, Andrew Meyer and Tobin (Jen) Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Olivia Meyer, Nolan Meyer, Ella Hinahara and Jasmine Shoates; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 57 years, Joan; his parents; stepson, Jeffrey (Lori) Meyer; sisters, Yoshie "Betty" Oda and Hiroko "Lily" (Tadao) Fujiyoshi; and brothers, Takeshi "John" (Masuko) Hinahara, Minoru "Mickey" (Sumiko) Hinahara, Tsutomu "Chester" (Ruth) Hinahara and Hitoshi "Hank" Hinahara.

Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Neenah, Wis. A private celebration of life will be held in Neenah on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone for all the compassionate and loving care Archie received at Agrace Hospice Care, Fitchburg; Brookdale Stonefield, Middleton; Helen’s House, Kaukauna and Theda Care Hospice and Assisted Living, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

- Agrace Hospice Care <https://www.agrace.org/donate/>

- Maui Huliau Foundation <https://mauihuliaufoundation.org/donate/>

- a local charity or hospice

- or just help a neighbor or someone in need.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com <http://www.gundersonfh.com>

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761