Elder Paul Edward Koelliker, an emeritus General Authority Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away in his home on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 79 years old. Elder Koelliker led a life of service to his family, friends, and the Church. Throughout his life, he loved the opportunities he had to serve as a missionary, bishop, stake president, and General Authority. But his greatest callings were the ones he lovingly performed in his family as a committed husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Elder Koelliker was born as the first child to Edward and Lois Koelliker on March 12, 1943, in Pittsburg, California. When he was two years old, his parents moved to Utah and took up permanent residency in Salt Lake City. Elder Koelliker credits his love of the gospel and scriptures to his parents. They were both hard workers and diligent in living and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1962, Elder Koelliker was called to the Germany Berlin Mission. He learned as a missionary to listen carefully to the promptings of the Spirit and to serve with commitment. He never forgot the lessons he learned from his time in Berlin, where he saw miracles happen, even in the humblest of surroundings.
When he returned from his mission in 1964, he met his future wife and eternal companion, Ann Neilson. They were engaged in 1965 and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 18, 1966. Elder Koelliker said of his wife: “She has had a tremendous influence on me. She is the only reason I have any kind of Church callings and assignments. She is so faithful and a solid citizen of the Church.” Together, Elder and Sister Koelliker were blessed with seven children; they gloried in their time together as parents. From early morning scripture study to weekly Family Home Evening lessons, Elder Koelliker made it a point to frequently bear testimony to his children and teach them the principles and patterns of the Gospel.
In 1969, Elder Koelliker graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was then hired to work in several positions for the Church of Jesus Christ, most notably as Managing Director of the Temple Department from 1997 to 2005. During this period, he worked alongside President Gordon B. Hinckley as the Church significantly expanded the scope of temple construction throughout the world.
From 2005 to 2013, Elder Koelliker served the church as a General Authority in the First Quorum of the Seventy. His assignments included serving as the Executive Director of the Temple Department, the First Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area, and the President of the Africa Southeast Area. Elder Koelliker had a deep and abiding love for the African people that grew out of the experiences he shared with Ann while in their service. He cherished the time he spent with the counselors with whom he served as well as the African people he grew to love. The four years he spent on that continent had a lasting impact on his life and testimony.
Upon his return from his service in Africa, he was appointed as an Assistant Executive Director in the Family History Department. He served in this assignment until he became an emeritus General Authority in 2013. He continued serving as a Temple Sealer until the end of his life. He was able to seal several of his children to their spouses as well as other family members, friends, and church members.
Never one to be idle, Elder Koelliker spent the latter years of his life quietly pursuing his passions. A master craftsman, he restored furniture, took great pleasure and pride in his orderly garden, and could often be found working on something for one of his children or grandchildren. His free time was given wholly to his family, and he could often be found cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or in the audience at dance recitals. His retirement also made it possible for him to spend precious, uninterrupted moments with his dear wife. Elder Koelliker and Ann served each other with great care and tenderness. The love that made up their marriage was evident up to his final moments in this mortal life. Ann was his constant companion and caregiver.
Elder Koelliker had two places where he found refuge and peace. True to character, both of these places included his family. He found great solace in the temple and frequently counseled couples that he sealed to return to the temple often. He loved to talk about the Gospel. Whether he was in a church, a temple, or at a barbecue, he never shied away from talking about his love for the House of the Lord. He also loved spending time in Scipio, Utah. A lover of stories and laughter, many of his favorite anecdotes were from his family’s adventures in Scipio, which was and will remain a special gathering place for the Koelliker family. Elder Koelliker said, “I love to go there and let the things of the world disappear. It’s a beautiful community, a place of genuine ministering.”
Elder Koelliker was a hard worker, a trait he learned from his father. He said that his father told him that “the work you do in the church is not about you, it’s about Him. As long as you keep the Savior first in your life, you’ll be ok.” The example of his father taught him that spiritual growth may be a sacrifice on your body, but you do it willingly and faithfully. Elder Koelliker faithfully wore out his body in the service of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
The family would like to thank the kind nurses, aides, and doctors who cared for Elder Koelliker during the last few months of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, and children: Karri (Raul Ontiveros); daughter in law, Susan Koelliker; Amy (Troy Winegar); Ryan (Emily) Koelliker; Lisa (Michael Brown); Robert (Erin) Koelliker; Jenni (Joseph Hinckley). He is the proud grandfather of 34 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way). He also has one brother, Mark (Colleen) Koelliker; three sisters, Karen (Bruce Lubeck), Janet (Brent Allan), Cheryl (Greg Hill).
He is preceded in death by his parents, his son David Paul Koelliker, and two grandsons.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 12:00 pm at the Hillside Stake Center, 1400 South 1900 East, Salt Lake City. There will be a viewing on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Hillside Stake Center, 1400 South 1900 East. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
For those who wish to watch a recording of the service may do so here:
So thankful to be a friend and neighbor and also raising children together wonderful person.
My family have been texting each other since they heard of Paul’s passing of all their good memories with him. Which is many.
Love and care deeply for this family.
Send all our love ,he will be missed.
All our children are texting back and forth of all the good memories
Dear Ann,
I was so saddened when I heard from Elder Watson the passing of your amazing husband.
I pray the lord's blessings on you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I love you dearly. You were and are a tremendous example to me of devotion and service to your Heavenly Father. Kindness, compassion, etc. The list could go on and on and on.
I know your family will rally around you. I hope to drop by for a visit. Not sure when that will happen as I'm unable to drive that far by myself due to pain meds that make me want to nap all the time! :) Love and hugs, Paula P. Packer
I worked with Paul at Church Headquarters. I am sorry to miss his services. He is one of the truly great ones. I found him highly capable in any assignment. We worked on Temple assignments across the world as well as other matters. May the Lord bless Ann and his family as you adjust to having him on the other side of the veil.
Bruce Olsen
Tried to access the Link for the services by zoom but were not able to connect. We really wanted to watch the service and we were sad to not be able to do so. I have always had a profound and deep respect for Elder Koelliker and we were blessed that he was part of the family and a cousin to Jolene. We wanted to attend but we have both tested positive with Covid so that was out of the question. Blessing to all in the family.
Dear Ann,
We express our love to you and your children at this time of your loss. Paul was a great man and a dear, special friend. We are sad we were unable to attend the viewing or funeral. We will come by and greet you personally and look forward to that visit.
With love,
Craig and Jil
Paul spent many a summer at our home in Vernal. Being one of the "little girls " I wasn't as close to Paul as the older kids. I remember his summer visits and how he was always very kind to me. A favorite memory was when he was here in Lubbock at the temple dedication. He was very busy ushering President Hinckley around but paid attention to us and gave us his time. Another special time was in the Salt Lake temple with Paul as he taught me and my siblings about that beautiful temple.
Also, true to his nature, he was one of the first to call and offer condolences when our son, Chad passed. I am grateful for the time we had with Paul and Ann at the last Bingham sibling reunion they came to. Paul possessed the loving nature of the Olson family. I feel blessed to belong to such a wonderful family and look forward to the time we will all be together again.