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Steven Oniki Obituary
Oct. 30, 1944 - Jan. 21, 2014
Steven Oniki, 69, of Sarasota, died peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he was raised in Salina, Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University. He then proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam. Upon his return, he became a teacher and a renowned motivational speaker.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Timothy.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leslie, as well as a brother, Scott and his family. Steven leaves his son Cris (Tammy) Oniki, four daughters, Tara Oniki (Josh) Sapir, Lyndsay (Jeff) Davis, Sarah (Bob) Fanok and Stephanie (Aaron) Rex, as well as 12 cherished grandchildren.
He will be remembered for his love of God, family and country.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 26th, 3pm at South Shore Community Church, 1899 S Tuttle Ave. in Sarasota.
Preferred donations are to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Oniki
Beverley Halterman
May 23, 2025
1982/83 employer had Steve speak at an annual corporate meeting. THE mist productive speaker ever heard. Have tried over the years to find him again. So very sorry for your loss and the loss of a remarkably talented speaker:)
Mark Rice
May 9, 2025
So sorry to hear of Steve´s passing. He forever changed the way I hired employees and was an absolute blessing when he blessed us with his motivational seminar at US Health Distributors in Melbourne, Florida.
Patricia L. Brooks
February 18, 2014
Steve was a fun guy - he will be remembered by me for his humor and cooking Asian food. He gave me my first sushi. He was the best man in my wedding in Flint, MI in 1971 - a cold snowy night - we were all young and crazy then and I am enjoying the thoughts of how simple life seemed to be at that time. They moved to FLA about the same time we moved to AZ - we all divorced about that time too - early in our marriages. I saw Steve 15 years ago and he was very happy - he was in AZ on business and we had lunch - he told me about his wife and family and he was a proud man - he loved what he was doing - I was happy for him and glad to see him. God bless his family and friends - I know you will all miss him terribly. Patricia L. Brooks, Scottsdale, AZ
Keryl Whetstone
February 9, 2014
Leslie and family,
My heart is heavy with his passing. Love to all of you. Personal note in the mail.
David Robinson
February 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I met Steve in 1989 when he was giving a presentation on personality types, had him come back numerous times to share his talent with my real estate team over the years, and still use many of his teachings today. He had a gift very few do and was gracious in sharing it. Rest in peace “H J”…. You will be missed.
denise matthys
January 29, 2014
Leslie- sincere condolences on the loss of Steve. Hugs sent to you and the kids.
Cari Clark Phelps
January 26, 2014
Leslie, I'm sorry for your loss. I am so glad I was able to visit with you both just two years ago. I've always thought of you both as the "stricter version" of my parents growing up. Steve was always so caring and kind. Love you! Peace to you and your family in this time.
January 25, 2014
Leslie,
My heartfelt condolence to you and your family at this difficult time. Steve will be missed by the many lives he touched during his short time on this earth. Keeping you and the kids in my prayers.
Love and Sympathy
Joyce
Tony Santagati
January 25, 2014
Steve was a great man and a loyal friend with a wonderful gift for communicating and understanding people. We have all suffered a great loss and I will personally miss his friendship. Let us celebrate his life.
Sue Jordan-Cunningham
January 24, 2014
Steve was a great and very funny motivational speaker and I always enjoyed attending his seminars. My condolences to Steve's family. We have lost a great man.
Petrica Brown-Holbrook
January 24, 2014
Rest in Peace, Steven Oniki. I attended two of your presentations, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My heartfelt condolences to your lovely wife and Family.
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