Obituary
ELKHART — Samiu Vakalahi, 60, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, April 27, at his son's home in Cassopolis, Mich.
He was born Nov. 14, 1955, in Nukualofa, Tonga, to Tevita Vakalahi Veamoi and Tae (Leleipetonga) Veamoi.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Patricia Ann "Patty" Vakalahi of Elkhart; two sons, John Fonokalafi Vakalahi of Chicago and Joseph David Vakalahi of Cassopolis; one daughter, Samantha Tae-Anne Vakalahi of Elkhart; four sisters, Lavuni (Viliami) Taukolo of Auckland, New Zealand, Kaloni (Lilo) Savieti of Auckland, Folola (Soane) Penitani of Elkhart and Lilieta (Viliami) Langi of Tonga; and one grandson, Kian Christopher Vakalahi of Cassopolis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Umukisia Wainiqolo and Moala Fitita; and one brother, Tevita "David" T. Veamoi.
Samiu was employed as a machine operator for several years prior to his retirement.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 11 a.m. celebration of life service on Wednesday, May 4, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 3300 Benham Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Karen Strietelmeier will officiate. Inurnment will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery.
Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.
He was born Nov. 14, 1955, in Nukualofa, Tonga, to Tevita Vakalahi Veamoi and Tae (Leleipetonga) Veamoi.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Patricia Ann "Patty" Vakalahi of Elkhart; two sons, John Fonokalafi Vakalahi of Chicago and Joseph David Vakalahi of Cassopolis; one daughter, Samantha Tae-Anne Vakalahi of Elkhart; four sisters, Lavuni (Viliami) Taukolo of Auckland, New Zealand, Kaloni (Lilo) Savieti of Auckland, Folola (Soane) Penitani of Elkhart and Lilieta (Viliami) Langi of Tonga; and one grandson, Kian Christopher Vakalahi of Cassopolis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Umukisia Wainiqolo and Moala Fitita; and one brother, Tevita "David" T. Veamoi.
Samiu was employed as a machine operator for several years prior to his retirement.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 11 a.m. celebration of life service on Wednesday, May 4, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 3300 Benham Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Karen Strietelmeier will officiate. Inurnment will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery.
Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Samiu Vakalahi, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
May
4
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
10:00 - 11:00 am
Celebration Of Life Service
May
4
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Starts at 11:00 am