Latu Inoke Ikafao’a Katoa

Like our Dad Inoke would say, “there’s no crying in baseball.” He was the first one to crack a joke and the first one to know who is singing on the radio. To know our dad is to know what “REAL MUSIC IS,” 
Latu Inoke Ikafao’a Katoa was born on August 21,1963 to Fatafehi Katoa and Emaluisa Taufa  in Kolofo’ou, Nuku'alofa Tonga. He was the second son of three boys. Growing up in Tonga, he loved going to the movies and in his youth became a Elvis Presley fan when he saw in the movie “Kid Galahad.” At age 9, he was brought to the United States with his two brothers by his Uncle Inoke to be raised by his Father Fatafehi in San Francisco, California.
While attending Mills High School of Millbrae, CA he excelled at every sport he tried. His school records stand today in boxing, wrestling, football and track and field. 
Our Dad met the love of his life Emelita Hola at a youth dance. They later married on October 29,1982 and because their love was eternal they were sealed for time and eternity on September 9, 2016. He loved to sing the songs “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” to our mom. Their love was unconditional through thick and thin.
Together they had 9 children, Salesi “Lala”, Jhon, Amelia Faka’afe, Silika, Lusi “Goose,” Saimone “Cowboy”, Katea “Baby,” Heamasi and Emeline “Fehi.” Some highlights of our childhood with our Dad are movie nights, ice cream sundaes on Sundays, joking, laughing, monopoly and charades. We will never forget the game “Guess who’s singing” on the radio. All these traditions of joy and fun and his love for Tiger Woods and the Kansas City Chiefs have been passed down to his children and 24 grandchildren.
Dads athletic drive, determination, strength and work ethic were appreciated by his employers: Fleming Foods, SkyWest Airlines and Jacobsen Construction.  His coworkers loved him.  He worked until the day he passed. Our Dad clocked in to the Lord's work on May 27, 2023.  
His example and legacy for his children and grandchildren will continue through the eternities. He Survived by his siblings (Semisi, Sumeo and sisters LeiHua McMiller, TauEva Fanua, LeiLani Taholo, Lisa Faupula, Luisa Katoa and Ana Chandler) 7 children: Jhon, Amelia (Aleki Olivè), Silika (Tevita Haukinima), Lusi, Saimone, Katea and Fata’fehi. 24 Grandchildren Charlie, Jhon Daniel, Lehi, Kitione, Ena, Emelitann, LiaHona, Samulea, Sumeo, Sosaia, Alekisanita, Heamasi, Jacob, Ammon, Timote, Vaomapa, Emalose, Fakaafe, Nazanin, Hailame, Teitume, Hagoth, baby Lala and Baby Leka. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fatafehi Katoa and Emaluisa Taufa, his eternal companion, Emelita Hola and his two sons, Salesi Katoa and Heamasi Katoa. Grandma Taki’po Taumoepeau, Uncle Inoke, Aunt Lorna Lei, Mother inlaw Silika Hola.

Funeral services for Latu Inoke Ikafao’a Katoa

Viewing / APO
Sunday June 11th, 2023
6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
4021 West Shinnerock Drive
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah 84009

Monday June 12, 2023 
Family Viewing 9:00 am to 10:30 pm
Bishops Service 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
4021 West Shinnerock Drive
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah 84009

Burial 
Elysian Garden
1075 E 4580 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84117