Feleti Saafi Fononga

Feleti Saafi Fononga 'Ofa Lahi Atu  Our beloved and respected husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, Feleti Saafi returned to his Heavenly Father on the evening of Nov. 9, 2004, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Feleti Saafi was born on June 6, 1917, son of Ilaisa and 'Ana Vea Fononga of Mo'unga'one Haapai, Tonga. On July 30, 1936, he married his life long sweetheart, Alisi Lokotui and together they raised 14 wonderful children and three adopted children. Feleti devoted his life from 1946 - 1998 to the Church of Tonga Houeiki where he served as a carpenter, missionary, secretary and Reverend for 53 years. He traveled the world building churches and preaching. In 1998 he retired and traveled to the United States. He was later baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 7, 2004. Feleti was a very compassionate and well-respected individual by all who knew him. He was a very religious man and dedicated his life to the Lord and his family. Feleti was always the "Highlight" of every function he attended, and we will dearly miss him. Survived by the love of his life, Alisi Saafi; 12 children, Sela Kamoto (Sione), Salt Lake City, UT; Seini Mafi, Tonga; Semisi T. Saafi (Vaihola), New Zealand; Lavinia Parker (Tom), Australia; Lisala Saafi, Tonga; Ana Vea Taumalolo (Alani), New Zealand; Muli Saafi, Tonga; Salote Tuikolovatu (Sione F.), Tonga; Luceane Saafi, Tonga; Taniela Saafi (Faleovalu), Oakland, CA; Losehina Folau, Salt Lake City, UT; Eleni Palu Fanua (Paula), Tonga; three adopted children, Hale Saafi (Sara), Australia; Longo Saafi, New Zealand; Gordon Saafi, Tonga; 40 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Mele Vesi and brother, Vakapuna Fanonga. Preceded in death by his parents, Ilaisa and 'Ana Vea; stepmother, Makalesi; son, Asaeli Saafi; daughter, Lotoa Saafi; sisters, Luse, Vesinia and Mele Moo'onia. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 19, 2004, 10:00 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. A viewing will be held Thursday, Nov. 18th, 7-11 p.m. and one hour prior to services at the mortuary.