Toshiko "Tosh" Velharticky

Toshiko “Tosh” Kawabata Velharticky, age 89, of Lone Tree, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

An informal drop-by gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, June 12 at her daughter’s home, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm for friends and family.

A Celebration of Life ceremony for Toshiko will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the First Christian Church, 1221 Park Avenue, in Burlington, Iowa.

10:00 am – Visitation
11:00 am  – Service
12:00 pm – Light Lunch

Toshiko was born on April 23, 1933 in Naon, Amami Oshima, Kagoshima, Japan. She was the 9th daughter in a family with 10 girls and one boy (having a male to carry on the family legacy was vitally important). She was athletic, a good student, an independent thinker and fiercely protective of her little brother, whom she was closest with.  After high school, she moved to Okinawa where she worked for several years and eventually met Ken Velharticky, a Navy Seabee, who would become her husband. They were married on September 25, 1962 and moved to Salina, Kansas. Ken and Tosh were blessed with two children, Eileen and Nicholas, and built a beautiful life together, residing in Hutchinson, Kansas, then Warrensburg, Missouri and eventually Burlington, Iowa, where they lived for 38 years.

Toshiko’s main occupation was homemaker, wife, and mother. She also enjoyed working as a Japanese translator for various international businesses in the Southeastern Iowa region. She loved working with children as a tutor, day care worker and Iowa Summer Enrichment Japanese Culture Instructor.

She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Burlington, Iowa.

In October 2019, Toshiko and Ken moved to Lone Tree, Colorado to live closer to their children and grandchild. They joined the Japanese Hope Mountain Family Church shortly after their arrival.

Toshiko is preceded in death by her parents Shinjiro and Matsu Kawabata, and 9 of her sisters.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth Velharticky, her daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Paul Larance, her grandson Garrett Larance, her son Nicholas Velharticky, her sister Nachiko Harada and her brother Kazuaki Kawabata, both still living in Amami Oshima.

Toshiko built a rich, productive, interesting life, filled with so many family members and friends who love her. The mischievous twinkle in her eyes, her unique perspectives and her love of life and others remain in the hearts of all who cherish her. Aishite Imasu, Toshiko.

In lieu of flowers, the family has selected two charities for donations.

Japanese Hope Mountain Family Church (FHMFC) in Denver Colorado

Toshiko moved to Denver, with her husband Ken, to be close to her children in October 2019. Her intent was to move into her daughter’s home and begin to establish a community. Soon after moving, Ken and Tosh met Paster Mori and began attending services. Little did we know at the time that COVID would soon shut down in-person interaction and socializing. Amidst the pandemic, the JHMFC community embraced Tosh, with phone calls, socially distanced Christmas caroling, delicious Japanese food deliveries, and comradery. They have been a God-given blessing through the last two-and-a-half years.

First Christian Church (FCC) in Burlington, Iowa

The FCC family, along with Toshiko’s friends in Burlington, remained a focus of love and strength after her move to Denver. Her friendships, cultivated over the 38 years of residence, brought continued moments of laughter, smiles, support, and very fond memories. Ken and Tosh attended services virtually throughout the pandemic. Ken continues to attend weekly.