Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Paul Koelliker
1969 - 2019
David Paul Koelliker
1969 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
David Koelliker Obituary
Aug. 21, 1969 - Feb. 22, 2019
Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, David Paul Koelliker passed away peacefully on February 22nd, 2019 surrounded by his family in his Salt Lake City home. David was born in Salt Lake City on August 21st, 1969 to Paul E. and Ann Neilson Koelliker. One of his favorite proverbs was, "Thee lift me, and I lift thee, and we'll ascend together." David lived a life of lifting others.
Dave always loved sports, especially baseball, and played outfield while attending Highland High School. While there, he met and fell in love with Susan Jane Hopkins. After graduation, David attended Snow College to continue playing baseball. He was known for his beautiful lefty swing and lightning speed. A year later, he served in the Spain, Las Palmas mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1988-1990. David was a fearless and tireless missionary and he loved the people he served.
When David returned home, he transferred to the University of Utah and married his sweetheart, Susan, on March 23rd, 1991 in the Salt Lake Temple. After graduation, he attended dental school at Creighton University followed by an endodontic residency at Temple University. The dentists, assistants, and patients he worked with became his close friends. He was known for having long spiritual conversations in the dental chair. He also enjoyed mentoring students at the University of Utah Dental School.
Of all his many accomplishments, the role he cherished most was husband and father. He loved to coach, throw the ball, race, golf, camp, play 1-on-1, "ping it up", set goals, and read with his children. He was also a pillar of faith and loved teaching the young men in his ward. He looked out for those who didn't always fit the "mold" and became a second father to many of his young men.
Dave lived life to the fullest, had a contagious laugh, and reminded us not to take life too seriously. He spent many mornings biking with friends and cherished his morning "hour of prayer". Dave invented the "Kore Baseball" with his children and loved volunteering at the homeless shelter and the Salt Lake Temple. He also helped open Howdy Homemade Ice Cream where he spent countless hours with the angels who work there and truly exemplified one of his favorite quotes, "Every soul matters." He lived a life of quiet service.
In September of 2009, David was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Throughout his 10 year battle, he underwent three brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, seizures, a stroke, and several other challenges. But he never lost hope or faith. He had a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. He learned to submit his will to God, and let this experience change him for the better. He was committed to sharing a message of love, and would frequently say "It's all about love", "Live with love today", and "Only hugs in this house". On February 22, 2018, one year prior to his passing, he published a book titled, Everybody Needs a Brain Tumor, to share his message of positivity and hope with the world. In David's words, "May we think of tough times as opportunities: Opportunities to learn. Opportunities to serve. Opportunities to bring our world a little closer together."
David is survived by his wife, Susan, and his children, John (Karli), Sarah (Andrew), Nathan, William, Charles and his grandchild, Cal David. In addition to his parents he is survived by his six siblings, Karri (Raul), Amy (Troy), Ryan (Emily), Lisa (Mike), Robert (Erin), and Jennifer (Joseph).
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 1st at 12:00pm at the Salt Lake Parleys Stake Center at 1870 Parleys Canyon Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. A viewing will be held prior to the services on Thursday, February 28th from 6-8pm and Friday March 1st from 10-11:30am at the same location. Interment and graveside services will be at Memorial Holladay Cemetery in Holladay, UT. Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robin & Frank Olivares
March 29, 2019
We visited Howdy's Ice cream parlor for my husband's birthday tonight & I saw an ice cream named Dave's favorite & I asked the gentleman behind the counter (Chris) if it was named for Dr. Dave Koelliker & indeed, it was! My husband and I were both patients of Dr. Dave's and we both found him to be a loving, gentle, generous man. He extended an act of kindness to us that I will treasure forever. He absolutely went above and beyond. Heartfelt condolences to the entire Koelliker Family. He was a truly a light in this world.
Kristen Green
March 1, 2019
Dear Koelliker Family,
May you each feel the peace and comfort of our Father in Heaven. Dave will continue to great things on the other side. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Jenny Corbett
February 28, 2019
Dave gave our son, Will, the opportunity of a lifetime to play on his baseball team when he was in 5th grade. They started out as the worst team in the league and after weeks of amazing coaching and encouragement from Dave, they went on to win the final tournament!! It was a most amazing season. He was such a wonderful example of good sportsmanship, hard work and kindness. His love of a wonderful sport was contagious! We are grateful we had the opportunity to associate with such a person! Praying for your family!!
February 28, 2019
Jennifer, Joseph and Koelliker Family--
Our condolences upon the passing of your outstanding brother/son/husband/father/cousin--
We understand the loss of a treasured loved one.
May your hearts be comforted in spite of the pain you feel at this time.
Sincerely,
Drs. Terry and Jan Clemmer, Yale Ward, SL Bonneville Stake
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Matt Mellenthin
February 28, 2019
Koelliker family and Friends. So Sorry for your loss. I remember Dave as a Priest when I was a Teacher in the HillSide Stake. Dave was a great leader and example that I looked up to in the Stake Basketball and Softball programs . Thoughts and Prayers . Matt
February 28, 2019
Dave stood for everything good in this world. He was a great friend and example to me. He has left an amazing legacy of kindness and service.
You are in my thoughts and prayers Susan and family.
Jason Boren
Mike Miller
February 28, 2019
Dear Koelliker Family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss of a wonderful man. Dave was a great father, leader, and true friend. He always took time to serve and help others first. He was approachable, kind, loving, and inclusive. If all could emulate the gifts Dave was blessed with, the world would be a much better place. I am a better person for the things Dave taught me. Your Dad and your family have been an example to us of love and faith. Much love, prayers and thoughts to your family at this difficult time.
Mike Miller
scott stein
February 28, 2019
I first met Dave professionally about 18 yrs ago. I did not know Dave at the time, but my assistant had worked as a temp for Dave for a short time and she said she was really impressed with him and that if i had patients that needed a root canal i should try sending them to Dave. After having several patients returned from seeing Dave for treatment, they all gave very positive reviews of Dave and his kind treatment and skill. Before long Dave and I were talking on the phone and going to lunch to discuss patients and a great friendship began.
As the years passed and our friendship grew our conversations changed from work topics to family and the Gospel. I was always so impressed with his love for Susan and his kids. His life revolved around them and he loved to talk about them. His love for the Lord was equally inspiring and I loved to hear him share his thoughts and testimony. He was truly at peace with who he was, his mortality, and the Plan of Salvation.
We have truly lost one of the great ones and i will miss Dave more than I can express. We love you Susan and your wonderful family.
Val Kraus
February 28, 2019
I was saddened to hear of David's death. He was the Assistant to the President when he served his Mission to the Canary Islands. He, along with his companion, was a great example to me and a great source of encouragement. I will forever remember his kindness towards me and that smile he almost always had. The same smile in the picture on this page. Reading through the many messages on this board, it is clear that the David I knew simply went on touching even more lives. What a great person he clearly was. I wish all of his family and friends my heart-felt condolences. I hope that his memory will inspire each of us to be better people and do good to all those around us.
Carolyn Campbell
February 27, 2019
I just wanted to say that as a patient, I greatly valued Dr. Koelliker's expertise when he took care of my two root canals. He did a great job. Even more than that, I remember his happy disposition and the great talks we had while I was in his dental chair. My condolences to his family. May your happy memories bring you comfort at this hard time.
Joellen Baird
February 27, 2019
Susan and Family, I have such love and respect for Dave. His light shines all over everyone he met. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. My mom died the same day as David and the funeral and viewings are at the exact same time as David. I wish I could be there to share in the celebration of his amazing life. Sending love. The Robert and JoDee Baird Family
February 26, 2019
Paul, I am so sorry to read of your son's struggles with cancer. The Koelliker home was my second home for many years. The love and peace that was in your childhood home was wonderful. I am sure that grandpa and grandma are welcoming Dave to his new home with open arms. I believe that grandma is cooking him a good meal, making him her wonderful pecan rolls and of course home made bread. May the Lord bless you with strength and understanding at this time.
Sherie Forslund Brinkerhoff
February 26, 2019
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dearly loved David.may the family find comfort in knowing that the creator sees their broken hearts,and will provide the comfort that they need during this difficult time of loss.(psalms 31:7) N.y
Gary Starr
February 26, 2019
Paul, Ann and family,
We are so sorry to hear about David. It is wrenching to lose a child no matter the age, but it is uplifting to see that he accomplished his mortal mission successfully and created a wonderful family that will endure for eternity. We love your family and send our condolences and prayers as you put David to rest.
Love, Gary & Kathy Starr
Karen Pullman
February 26, 2019
Dear Koelliker Family,
So sadden to hear about David. Coached by my husband Paul and played baseball with my son Kevin. What a great person. Thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by all.
February 26, 2019
Dave and I weren't close in age but I have some memories being with him when I was older. In 2003 or 2004 we were playing Thanksgiving football with the Koelliker cousins at Rosslyn Heights. Dave was there and he brought his son John who was probably about 12 at the time. I had recently returned from my mission and was particularly impressionable. Not only do I remember running by everyone on my way to the end zone (haha), I remember observing Dave interact with young John and being impressed with how he treated him. I distinctly remember observing Dave as a caring father. Watching Dave face cancer with so much courage and faith furthered heightened Dave's status in my eyes as someone to emulate and remember.
Cousin Aaron Lubeck
February 26, 2019
One of my earliest memories of Dave was when he was in his late teenage years (over 16 years old because he was driving) and being the younger cousin was very excited to be hanging out with my older, much cooler cousins. We were headed up to the cabin in the little Suzuki Jeep with the top off/down. I don't remember what the event was or why I happened to be riding with Dave instead of my own parents but nonetheless I remember sitting in the backseat with Lisa and Robert, Dave was driving and I think Amy was in the passenger seat. We were cruising along on the cabin dirt roads, top down, wind blowing our hair like crazy and we had the music blasting. Not just any music, but the popular Erasure band with their hit song Oh L' Amour was blasting thru the speakers. But over the speaker music I remember Dave singing at the top of his lungs, every word of the song. It is a fun memory that just brings a smile to my face and always reminds me how fun, outgoing, and energetic Dave's personality was. He always had people laughing with his good sense of humor.
One of my more recent memories of Dave was at a Stake Conference when he was the speaker. He related his story and some of his experiences with his brain tumor. I was touched by his spiritual growth thru his trial and his positive attitude about needing to learn something when life was hard. He related an experience about when he had found out about the brain tumor and felt as though he could not fight this battle he was visited by our Grandma K, in spirit, who told him that he could do it and that she believed in him. I don't remember the words she said to him but I remember him saying that she gave him the strength to move forward, to fight, and to learn to rely on the Lord thru your difficulties. She was an answer to his prayer, from beyond the veil, that I think is a great testimony to us that Heavenly Father really does know each of us, he knows what we need, he loves us and wants to help us. Dave taught me some wonderful spiritual lessons and helped strengthen my testimony of our Savior by his example and his testimony thru his trial with his brain tumor.
I love my cousin Dave and know that he is now celebrating and serving with my brother, Wesley, as heavenly angels doing our Father's work.
-Cousin Amberly Hill Croft
February 26, 2019
I think so highly of Dave when I consider how he carried himself and how he so courageously fought to not let his illness get the best of him. Dave is an admirable example of staying positive and turning to the Savior through his trials. I will always remember him for the kind and strong person he was.
Cousin Camille Lubeck Henry
February 26, 2019
I remember Dave as always being so friendly and fun. When I was an awkward teenager he was still nice to us even though we weren't cool and he was. I particularly remember a houseboat trip to Lake Powell when he was blasting Depeche Mode songs and having so much fun jumping off the boat.
Later after he and Susan we're married, Todd and I were able to visit them in Omaha when he was at school. They were so welcoming and fed us dinner. I always looked up to him as someone who really had their life together and knew what they wanted.
I loved catching up with Dave at family reunions and Todd certainly is grateful for his medical expertise. I've thought of him often since he's been sick and learned a lot from reading his book. He was and will always be an example to me of how to be a wonderful father and friend.
Cousin Cody Lubeck Miller
February 26, 2019
I always looked up to Dave as an older cousin. I remember how Dave and Susan came to watch us play soccer in Omaha. I also remember running into them at the Mandarin in Bountiful several years ago. He said it was one of their favorite restaurants and it was so fun to talk with them. He was always very kind whenever I had the chance to talk to him. His book was inspiring and I am grateful to have known such an amazing man.
Cousin Emily Lubeck
February 26, 2019
When we were younger me and David always liked to pretend dentist. I wanted to be a dentist and he was a dentist. He showed me how to drill teeth. He was also so nice to me and let me pretend to drill his teeth. I liked to play with him and pretend dentist.
I remember the Halloween parties when David would have a drill and pretend to drill my teeth. I remember once in Karri's back yard at Halloween David had a table with an electric drill and he chased me and was pretending to drill my teeth. I always liked to do that with him.
I also liked it when I went to Howdy's Ice Cream and saw David. He would always give me a big hug and smile at me the whole time. He was nice to everyone.
At family reunions David liked to let me sit on his lap and hug him. He would always smile at me the whole time even when he was not feeling well. Even then he would let me play like I was drilling his teeth for him.
I miss him so much. I love him. I prayed for him many times every night. Now I pray for his family too.
Love, Nate Lubeck, Cousin
February 26, 2019
David was a great example to me of how to show people that you truly care about them by asking genuine questions to learn more about who they are and what they care about. Everybody asks people, how are you doing but when David asked, you could tell that he really cared and wanted to know more about you.
Cousin Nic Koelliker
David with cousins at Koelliker Cabin
February 26, 2019
It is a time of great sadness as one of Gods great ones has passed back into His presence. As we know by revelation, he is once again engaged in the Lords missionary work, teaching the gospel plan in the sprit world. I like to think his new companion is his grandfather, Edward Koelliker. He was so loved by his grandparents, Edward and Lois as their second grandchild, their first grandson. One of my great memories of David as a young toddler, was his big smile and blond hair. He was the pride of his grandparents and I witnessed their great joy each time I would see them together. David would flash his big smile and melt their hearts. He would run to them and they would sweep him into their arms with a big kiss. David would bring joy into every room as he would bound in with energy, smiling and full of excitement. He and his sister Kari were infectious! As their Uncle Mark, I loved being around them and playing with them both. I remember David, as my oldest nephew, following me around, always smiling, always asking me questions. David was soon leading around a whole pack of Koelliker grandkids, full energy and looking for fun and mischief. My own grandson, Max, has inherited the same big smile and every time he runs to me with that great big infectious smile, I think of David.
David loved all sports and as such, was the apple of his father's eye. Paul relived all his athletic dreams and youthful aspirations through his son David. Not only did David participate in sports, he excelled. As his uncle I saw the joy and pride in both David and Paul. I remember how he and his sister Kari would often compete with each other on water skis behind Paul's boat. David particularly loved baseball. I enjoyed going to some of his baseball games and witness his enthusiasm, competiveness and infectious smile working with his teammates. He was a joy to watch and I was always proud to be his Uncle Mark. He would see me and say I'll get a hit for you Uncle Mark. I remember years later while living in Texas, returning to visit one summer night, and going with Paul to see David play in a baseball game. He was probably 16 or 17 years old by then and I had not seen him play for five or six years. I could tell he still loved the game and between innings he came up to me and flashed me that big smile and said, I'll get a hit for you Uncle Mark. I don't remember if he did get a hit, I just remember his smile and the warm feeling I had to be in his presence. I loved David, and I knew he loved me. That is what I remember most about my nephew David. I am thankful to have known him and to have felt his love.
Love you David. See you soon on the other side.
Uncle Mark
February 26, 2019
Dear Susan,I have thought of you so many times throughout the years and I have admired your family from afar. I was so saddened to hear about David's diagnosis many years ago and with every update, I was so amazed how he pressed on. This speaks volumes about the quality of care your family so selflessly gave and for his perseverance.
I hope you will feel lifted by the many thoughts and prayers being offered on your behalf. I will never forget the influence you had on my life at Ensign Elementary. Whenever I have conversations about my favorite teachers your name is at the top of the list. I still remember your patience and the fun activities you planned for our class. If I remember correctly, your husband dressed up and helped serve a Chinese food dinner to us as well!
Thank you for being a wonderful example of Christ-like love and long suffering. You are incredible.
With love,
Nikki
Zachary Morris
February 25, 2019
Dave was a true friend to me and taught me what being a friend to all is about and made everyday a little bit brighter! He made work such a fun environment to be in at howdy and if it wasn't for Dave who helped me find my way to howdy along with partner Nielson's I don't know where I'd be, Dave's parents are my next door neighbors and have been my whole life and they made Dave become such a great man, father, friend and role model! I will miss you Dave
Zach Morris
Hope you are playing a few games of baseball, love ya buddy miss you
February 25, 2019
Dear Koelliker Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your amazing husband and dad. Dave was the best. I looked up to him in so many ways - as a husband, a father, and just as a human being. He was such a great example of the type of person we should all strive to be.
Rich Nelson
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in David Koelliker's name
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Koelliker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
