Taniela Muli Kinikini

Taniela Muli Kinikini, age 90, went home to his Heavenly Father on January 3, 2024, in Murray, Utah. Teni was born to Tevita Muli Kinikini and Le’o Tukuifale Langi on August 19, 1933, in Uiha Ha’apai, Tongan Islands. He graduated from Atele High School in Tonga and the All Boys Aukland Grammar School in New Zealand. He also graduated from the LDS Church College of Hawaii, known today as Brigham Young University – Hawaii.

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Teni worked for various companies including Browning Freight Line and Deseret Industries as a truck driver. He owned businesses in landscaping and forest tree trimming and owned real estate. He never just had one job, but worked multiple jobs to provide for his family.

Taniela was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife served five full time missions for the church in California San Franscico Mission, Polynesian Culture Center Hawaii Mission, Tonga Nukualofa Mission, Salt Lake City Family History Center Mission and Family History Mission in their local area.

Taniela was a regular (weekly) temple patron with his wife. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making time to attend their school and church events. He taught his children about hard work through keeping a vegetable garden. He loved his family, his friends, and His Savior, Jesus Christ.

Taniela is survived by his six children and their spouses, Danster (Myla), Samuel (Thomasene), Moses (Anita), Ofa (Talau), Losa (Tuakimoana), Lyle (Linda); his twenty-three grandchildren and their spouses, Danaya (Sandra), Trechor, Sierra (Michael), Saul (Eimi), Sephra (Noah), Daniel (Danielle), Deborah, Kaylee (Rob), Lanaya (Jeff), Monica, Lyle, Limai (Ahshevonne), Manusiu, Moala, Sione Jr., Esita (Kawai), Hailame (Taylor), Moses (Yosanny), Ana (Daniel), Ofa (Tu'uta), Losa (Jason), Teni, Sam; his sixteen great-grandchildren, Vuni, Isreal, Taisei, Lavinia, Malia, Keith, Roman, Meleane, Sunny, Luci, Ru, Eddie, Lyle, Hailame, Mary, Esita; and his four living siblings, Auhungamea Pouha, Fetafehi Feletoa, Tofilamoa Ngata and Keisini Kinikini.

A viewing service will be held in Utah on Monday, January 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. in Sandy. This viewing service will be broadcast through Zoom using the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88594338401

An additional viewing will be held in Idaho on Saturday, January 13, from 9:00 to 11 AM, followed by the funeral services service from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, at the LDS Roosevelt building located at 1901 West Roosevelt Avenue in Nampa. Interment at the Hillcrest Memorial cemetery in Caldwell, ID.