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.
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, Fatafehi 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. A recording of this viewing service will be available to watch through Zoom for 30 days using the following link:
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 11288 West Roosevelt Avenue, Nampa, ID. Interment at the Hillcrest Memorial cemetery in Caldwell, ID.
My condolences to you and your family.
I met your father when you moved to Nampa and lived a couple blocks down the street. I was very impressed with the love that radiated from your father. He always had a kind smile and a strong testimony of the gospel. He was a great example of love and service. I am blessed forever by his example. I am glad he will be reunited with his eternal wife. Sorry for your loss, Phyllis
Sending caring thoughts your way.
Just sending my condolences to you and your family on this tragic loss of your father. He will be with you and watch over you for eternity. Stay strong and keep pushing forward. You had mentioned he lived a good life. Well remember the good life he lived with you for his 90 years Again my heart goes out to you and your family. May God rest his soul in peace. Your friend
Danette