Tevita Fauniteni Tu'akalau Ikakoula

Tevita Fauniteni Tu’akalau Ikakoula, 76, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025. Tu’akalau was a beloved husband, parent, sibling, and friend to many. He was known for his dedication to his village, deep love for family, and unwavering faith. Born on October 30, 1948, in Liahona, Tongatapu, Tonga Islands, Tu’akalau was the son of Taniela Fauniteni and Seini Sipaika Ikakoula from the villages of Koloa, Tefisi, Ofu, and Haalaufuli in Vava’u. Tu’akalau graduated from Brigham Young University Hawaii in La’ie, Hawaii, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Minor in Physics. He was passionate about the ocean and fishing. After returning to Vava’u, Tonga, he taught at Saineha High School for 18 years. Tu’akalau was dedicated to helping others achieve their education, often volunteering his spare time to tutor students in the evenings and on weekends. In Tonga, Tu’akalau and his family lived off the land and ocean. His sons and nephews maintained a large farm with crops and livestock while he fished to provide for his family and others in the village. Later, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he taught at West High School and Horizonte. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, extended family, and many close friends. Tu’akalau is survived by his wife, Ofalotofo’ou Ikakoula, and his children: Valentino (Primrose), Gregory (Corrina), Susan Nautu (Andrew), Tu’akalau Jr., Ofa Lotofo’ou, and Tevita Kata. He is also survived by grandchildren: Fauniteni Ikakoula, Patrick Lavulo, Esther-Jane Ikakoula, and his remaining sibling, Latu Ikakoula. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Mapuola Aivao Ikakoula, and his son, Patrick Vaea Ikakoula. A service to honor Tu’akalau’s life will be held on February 12, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1621 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. The family viewing and program will be from 8:00 a.m. to noon, the Bishop's program from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the gravesite burial from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary and Cemetery in Sandy, UT. As we gather to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved Tu’akalau, some have expressed an interest in offering support by helping with funeral expenses and other related costs. Contributions can be sent to Susan Nautu, Tu’akalau’s daughter, via Zelle: nellicky@hotmail.com. The service will be live-streamed at http://www.youtube.com/@halatoamuilivestream4044.

Tevita Fauniteni Tu'akalau Ikakoula

October 30, 1948 - February 3, 2025