Steven Takaichi

Steven Bruce Takaichi was born to Eleanor May (Nesheim) & Iden Grant Takaichi on October 27th, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The middle of three children he had an older sister Carol and younger sister Barb. Steve grew up hunting and fishing in the forests and lakes around Clarkfield, Minnesota. An avid outdoorsmen, he excelled in Boy Scouts, reaching the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Steve was an accomplished rower in college, loved basketball, baseball and was a keen golfer later in life but was happiest out fishing, hunting or cooking elaborate meals for friends. Throughout his life he made many dear friends doing the things he loved and endeared many more with his culinary skills.

Steve graduated with a DDS from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 1976. With a photographic memory, Steve never took notes and could solve most problems just by looking at them. Never needing to study for tests freed up some time for joining the Psi Omega dental fraternity where he became proficient at doing The Gator on his frat’s dance floor, possibly fostering his love of the tropics.

Upon graduation, Steve began his dental practice in International Falls, Minnesota, where he met the love of his life: Jan (Kaminski). The two began a life together on the shores of Rainy Lake and ran a family dental practice as a team for almost 40 years. Together they raised their son, Michael Lee. Steve and Jan were a keystone in their community, providing care for thousands of patients as well as fundraising for hospitals, medical research and Ducks Unlimited over the 44 years they spent in International Falls. Together, they were a force with endless energy, attending Mike’s sporting events, organizing multi-family ski trips, hosting dinners, and maintaining an open door policy for all friends and family. Steve and Jan retired in 2019 and set to travelling the country in their RV, wintering in the Cayman Islands.

Steve passed away peacefully on April 14th, 2022 from complications of a stroke. He is survived by his wife Jan, son Mike, daughter-in-law Lauren, granddaughters Maggie and Lily, sisters Barb (Bern) Vermeer and Carol (Rus) Thomas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held May 21, in the Hibbing and Side Lake area.  More details to come. Please see Facebook or Caring Bridge for more information. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Humane Society.

Steve was a man of quiet confidence, compassion, gentleness and humor. Though he did not waste words he could always be counted on for witty one-liners. Steve was unfailingly kind and a dear, trusted friend who was always willing to help. Steve will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends, patients and community. We are forever grateful to have had him in our lives. Though his body is lost to us, his spirit will always live on within all of us who loved him.