Syracuse, UTAH — Ioelu Saolele Toafe Sr., of Syracuse, Utah passed away peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2022. He was 72 years old. He was born on January 13, 1950 to Fa'atoafe Togotogo and Saolele (Palelei) Faatoafe in Nu'u'uli, American Samoa.
Ioelu is survived by his wife Malofou (Ae) Toafe and his children, Nephi (Leone) Toafe; Fetuli (Pasia) Tuia; Ominae (Marqueena) Toafe; Ioelu (Nanise) Toafe Jr.; Rudolph (Susan) Toafe; Tina (Jeremy) Tasso; Fue (Tommy); Seutatia (Scott); and Edward Faleali'i. He is also survived by his sister Fuiono and brothers Tualili'u, Fiamama, Fialelei, and Asoono. Ioelu has 29 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Ioelu is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Joyita Lili'uokalani Toafe, and his brothers: Sopoaga, Kolose, Pogi, Nino, Vai, Taualofa, Liu, and twin sisters (unnamed) who died at birth.
Ioelu Toafe was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints and faithfully attended the Syracuse 12th Samoan Ward in Syracuse, Utah. He was a God fearing man he always put God first in everything he did.
He was always a hard worker and made sure that his family never went without. He loved his family with everything he had and he loved hard. He especially loved his grandchildren. Every chance dad could have with his families, he always made sure everyone was okay. He was a very independent man and never let anyone do anything for him.
Dad loved music. He loved playing the guitar every chance he could play. He had a beautiful voice when he sang.
Dad was a veteran to the core. He joined the Army to better provide for his children. And then years later he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.
Dad was also a fighter. He battled with diabetes for years all the way to his last breath. He always hated being a burden to his wife and children and would try his best do everything himself. Dad lived a full good life and we are going to miss him dearly. It's been an honor to have him as a husband, father, and grandfather.
We love you so much Dad. Manuia Lou Malaga!
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Veterans Hospital, Liberty Dialysis, Caregiver Support, the VA Home Base Primary Care Team, Russon Mortuary, and friends and family for all your love and support for Dad and our family at this time.
Funeral Services: May 31, 2022; Syracuse 12th Samoan Ward; 1625 S 1100 W; Syracuse, UT 84075
