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