Masako Mickie Mentzer

Masako “Mickie” Mentzer passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, September 30, 2026.Born Masako Toyama on July 27, 1930, she spent her childhood in Yokohama, Japan, before embarking on a career as a Japanese civilian employee of the US Army. 

She lived a full and exciting life during this chapter, marrying an American GI at Camp Zama and later moving to Maryland, California, back to Camp Zama, and finally settling permanently in Overland Park in 1978.

Mickie was not one to let life pass her by. She was always on the go, working until age 88, socializing with the Japanese community she found in Kansas City, or enjoying hobbies like golf, flower arranging, and bowling.

Mickie was deeply loved throughout her 36-year marriage. Until his death in 1998, her husband Bill showed it in countless ways, sending her flowers just because he loved her and insisting she get her hair done because it made her feel special.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kin Kimura and Motojiro Toyama, and by her sisters Etsuko, Tsuneko, Kayoko, Atsuko, and Hiroko. She was also preceded in death by beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law and her son-in-law, Jeff Copeland.

In the U.S., she leaves behind four children: John Mentzer, Ann Copeland (and her dog Jameson), Bill (Teresa) Mentzer, Jr., and June (Steve) Tarwater. She also leaves six grandchildren: David Copeland, Laura Copeland, Bill Mentzer (Emilee McFarland) of San Francisco, her namesake Kayla Masako Mentzer, Brian (Jenna) Mentzer, and Audrey Burks; six great-grandchildren; and many loved “Pittsburgh Mentzers.” In Japan, she leaves behind her brother Masahiro, numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.