Bio - Sal Ika

I thought it would be a good thing to give you a little tidbit about me after serving in South Dakota Rapid Mission from 1976 to 1978.

Since I have been home I got married to a beautiful Tongan girl and we have 7 children [4 girls and 3 boys]. At this time we have 2 girls that are married and they have given us 7 grand children [2 grand daughters and 5 grand sons; one grand daughter on the way next month].

We live in a town of about 90,000 in the outskirt of Los Angeles and San Diego call Hemet in Riverside county. [desert].

I am looking to retire in about 8 years from the Hemet Unified School District after working for them as a electrician for 27 years and presently as a maintenance supervisor for the past 5 years.

My wife and I are looking to serving a mission after my retirement.

I want to thank the committee for keeping us all informed and connected. I really enjoy knowing and finding out about everyone that I have served with and to feel all of your spirit.

 

 Sal IkaSal Ika

Bio - Monty Harris

Here's a photo of my great family. I have one son and three daughters and 10 grandkids. Two grandkids were born into this world after the picture was taken. The lady laying in the bed is my sister. That was the last time we all talked with her. She passed away the following week.

        Monty Harris

Bio- Donna Gill Sitake

Hi fellow comrades of the SDRCM,

It's been along time since I have seen any of you and many of you may not know me. I 'm originally from Sisseton SD and left from my little home branch in Sisseton. I was called to serve in the Louisiana Baton Rouge mission back in April of 1977. But by special request from the missionary committee in SLC , I was transferred back to complete my mission from December of 1977 -October 1978. My first area was in Pine Ridge and I served in a threesome with Sister Sua and Sister Sakizzie. I was later transferred to McLaughlin and served with Sister Edna Crane, then later with Sister Afuvai, and then Sister Davies. I was transferred to White River where I served with Sister Lee Yazzie and in my last 2 months with Sister Crane (again) and Sister T. ( sorry can't remember how to spell her name) . Nothing was greater than coming home to serve among my own people.

I'm married to Poponatui Sitake, who I later found out is a cousin to Elder Sione Kava. Which is pretty cool, because Elder Kava was in Sisseton with Hone and Soloai before I left on my mission.
I have 5 children, Lata 32, Mato 31, 'Amelia 29, 'Ema 27 and Mani 19. I have 6 grandchildren, 3 boys and 3 girls. My oldest son graduated from BYU law school!! Which is a big deal to my family and Pona's family because he is our first lawyer in the family.

I currently live in Mesa Arizona and my husband and I work for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, as group home parents. We live on the reservation 5/24's in a beautiful group home and take care of their children that are in custody. It's been an amazing adventure!! It has been the hardest and most overwhelming, stressful experience, but I have never learned so much from this position.

Sincerely,
Donna Gill Sitake

Passing of Elder Francis Teo and Sister Momilani Loo Heimuli

Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2012 06:05:57 -1100
Subject: Francis Te'osign out
From: sdelarosa1972@gmail.com
To: aafuvai@oaklandmarriott.com; therisah@hotmail.com; slkava@hotmail.com

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news and I'm not sure if you had heard already, but I have just been informed by my cousin that Francis Te'o who served with us in South Dakota passed away on Thursday in Utah. Therisa, maybe you can find out more about his services and represent us who can't be there since you're in Utah.

Alofa atu,

Shirley

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On Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 8:56 PM, SDRCM.76.69 Reunion <sdrcm.76.79.reunion@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Fellow Missionaries:

It is with deep regret that we wish to inform everyone of the passing of a tremendous spiritual giant and friend...Elder Francis Teo.  He died Thursday March 1, 2012. It has been reported that he had gone to his ward building,  perhaps to play basketball, and died there. He was rushed to the emergency room, but he had already passed away.

Sale Tapusoa has spoken with Francis' wife to express his deep condolences. The services will be held Friday Morning, March 16th.

Funeral at the Volta Ward LDS Chapel

4586 Woodbury Circle (3945 S)

West Valley City, Utah 84120

The family service will begin at 8 am. The family has invited former SDRCM missionaries to sing the Mission Song in Elder Teo's behalf and honor at the family service. 

The funeral service follows at 11:00 am.

Those who wish to donate towards a floral wreath or to the family should contact Therisah@hotmail.com (Therisa Stone Harrington). You may call or text Therisa at 801-755-3092

~Nickey
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On Mar 9, 2012, at 11:39 AM, Sione Lousiale Kava <slkava@hotmail.com> wrote:

Shirley, Ana and Therisa...my deepest sympathy and condolenses to Elder Te'o's family...he was my companion...and a very good friend...I can vividly see him teasin Elder Soloai then run behind me and Tagiora for cover...thank you Shirley and Therisa for keeping us in touch...Always a friend...'Ofa Atu and soifua...Kava.

Sione Lousiale Kava
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On Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 10:58 PM, J. M. Heil <jmheil@gmail.com> wrote:

Fulani Teo was my first greeny in the Sisseton Sd District of the Fargo Zone. He came to me as young teachable faithful Elder and we had many fabulous times together teaching Day Camp and telling all the Book of Mormon stories to the Sioux people.  I'm heart broken at knowing my companion who I admired and learned so much from is gone.  I have pictures that I could forward to his family that I probably only have.  I have so many days of memories that have flushed through my mind; its like a total flashback.  He was the real deal, we prayed, we taught, we fasted, are lives where threatened.  We froze to death in our basement apartment, we ate tuna fish his Mother sent from Samoa.  We healed Garth Hammond a turkey farmer from Boils he had all over his body for over 15 years.  After that Francis always called me Doctor until the day I went home.  I'll never forget him.  I taught him to Love Pancakes every morning from a famous women in Spearfish named Olea Buan.  I taught him one cold morning that pantyhose were not long johns.  Elder Teo was not weak in any way he was the best.

J. Michael Heil

龙 logos 8 veritus 王

 "Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."--"Sitting Bull" »

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On Mon, Mar 12, 2012 Arnold Hansen wrote:

Thanks so much for letting me know about Francis, we served in the same district up at Devils Lake, ND and as zone ldr companions in Mission SD. Thinking of him has brought back wonderful memories of serving together, he was a great friend and example and loved the Lord deeply. I will miss him. Arnie

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On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 10:32 AM, Cheryldeen Isaacs-Kila <cherylkilais@gmail.com> wrote:

Just checked my email.  My condolences to the family.  Thank you for keeping us up to date with all news concerning fellow missionaries.  Mahalo, Cheryldeen Isaacs-Kila

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Dear Fellow Missionaries:

It is with sadness and fond memories that we report the death of Sister Loo. Her funeral is being held today in Provo. Obituary attached. It was my privilege to have been her very first companion in the Salt Lake City Mission home as we entered the mission field together. We were later reunited to serve in Bismark and to celebrate the half way points in our missions. She served with honor and a wonderful sense of humor. When she taught, the spirit permeated the room. She will be missed by all.

~Nickey Kebort Walker

www.heraldextra.com 24 August 2012

Momilani Lei
Heimuli
February 4, 1956
August 19, 2012
Momilani Lei Heimuli returned to her Heavenly home on Sunday, August 19, 2012 after a valiant fight with a very aggressive and persistent cancer. She was born on February 4, 1956, the eldest daughter to Stanley K. Loo (deceased) and Phoebe L. Loo.
Her love and desire for serving others was shown through various callings she held throughout her life; Primary presidency and teacher, Young Women presidency and teacher, Sunday School teacher, Relief Society teacher, Visiting Teacher, Compassionate Service Leader and Relief Society President
Momi also served a full-time LDS mission in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. "Momi" will eternally serve as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Momi was born on Oahu and during her very early years moved to the Big Island of Hawaii where she attended school and graduated from Honoka'a High School. Momi chose to enter cosmetology school, completed the program, and became a beautician. She returned to Oahu where she worked as a beautician at BYU-HC and there met and married the love of her life Martin.
Through this union, their eternal family began with the birth of their son Martin, Jr. and a couple of years later their daughter Marsha. They spent the first ten years on the Big Island of Hawaii raising their family and then opted to move to Utah in 1996 in search of greater opportunities. The choice was magnified as her children began to compete in many athletic events in the public school system and she and Martin were their #1 FANS! Together they have raised two amazing children, dedicated their life to their family and strive daily to maintain an eternal perspective.
Momi always enjoyed watching various sports activities that her children and husband competed in throughout the years. The apple of her eye is her little sweet granddaughter, Taleah, whom she adored, and will cherish throughout eternity. She also enjoyed every holiday that she spent with her family, and during these times felt comfort and love.
Momi is survived by her loving husband Martin Heimuli, Sr., her son, Martin Heimuli, Jr., daughters, Marsha Heimuli, Lisa Fuller, Kasthy Koula and Kalesita Niu, granddaughter Pania Taleah Heimuli-Kaanga and 10 more grandchildren. Momi is survived by her loving mother, Phoebe Leilani Loo, brothers, Mark and Matthew (Donna) Loo, James Poore, and sisters, Maile Loo and Kimberly Baker. She was also a proud auntie to many loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life and also viewings will be held at:
Utah Parkway Stake Center 2801 W. 620 N. Provo, Utah. On Friday, August 24th, 2012 there will be a viewing from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, with a special family service from 9:00-9:30pm. On Saturday, August 25, 2012 there will be a viewing from 10:00am - 10:45am with services beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at the Provo cemetery, located at 610 South State Street.
The Heimuli and Loo family would like to thank, ALPHA Hospice, Central Utah Clinic, and the Orem Rehabilitation Staff, doctors, and nurses for providing Momilani with excellent care over the past 11 months. As a family we are very grateful for their skilled and sensitive service.

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August 19, 2012

So sorry to hear....gosh, that is very sad news. lately, so many people who I know personally have either gone or are battling an illness that will soon take them from us. I believe it's the signs of time. Having spent so much time in the temple and doing work for the dead, I can't help but to think how close our loved ones are to us, the only thing, we just can't see them, but they are near us.

My aloha to Momilani, she was a very good companion and I cherish the time we had together in the mission field.

Again, please send my regards to the Loo family.

Shirley Dela Rosa

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On Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 9:16 PM, david duffer <theduff@earthlink.net> wrote:

Thanks Nickey for letting me know. I have fond memories of Sister Loo giving me haircuts in Bismark!! She was always so loving and caring of others. She will be missed by many.

 

David Duffer SDRCM 77-79

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On Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 2:06 PM, Newman Soloai <SoloaiNN@ldschurch.org> wrote:

Dear Sister Walker Thank you for these updates which help us  remember the blessings of having served together and how the Lord has  continued to bless us through his great plan of happiness.

Kia Ora Newman Soloai

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On Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 10:20 PM, earl tulley <attakai77@yahoo.com> wrote:

Condolences to her family - be comforted "if i die today i will be with god, if i live today god will be with me."

Earl Tulley

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On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 7:05 AM, Sal Ika <Sika@hemetusd.k12.ca.us> wrote:

Thank you for sharing this with me. I am sadden by this yet the gospel is so comforting and assure us of the plan that Heavenly Father has for us. Thank you for keeping us informed.

Sal Ika

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On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 1:24 PM, Sione Lousiale Kava <slkava@hotmail.com> wrote:

Sister Walker:

My sincere condolences goes out to Martin and the rest of the family. 

It is always a very sad feeling that a member of our SDRCM family has left us, and so young yet.  The greatest honor in the Military is when a commander expressed his appreciation for serving with you in combat and will call on you again in the next war.  I considered it an honor and a privilege to have served with Sister Loo.  She and Sister Stone were serving my Zone and I looked forward to my visit with them because of lots of good food, great company and support...and outstanding missionary.  They called me and my companion one day to come over.  When we arrived in their area, they were both in tears and I found out that they have been harassed by a group of Indian thugs.  I walked over to the police station and the police chief told me that they can't do anything until something significant happens...teasing and following the Sisters were not considered harassment in the reservation...I walked over to the bar in the main street and all the culprits were congregating outside...and told them that they have been causing troubles to the Sisters, how about stepping up and cause trouble to the brothers...no one moves...one of the bigger Indians explained that they were just teasing the Sisters...I told them it is not appreciated and it has to stop...if this happens again...I'll be back with all the Island Missionaries in the area and it will be trouble for them...Sister Stone and Sister Loo reported later that there were no more trouble and as a change, the trouble makers were very polite to them.

Farewell Sister Loo...Home to our Heavenly Father is the missionary from the field.  

'Ofa Atu, Sione L. Kava.   

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On Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 2:12 AM, LeNora Bowman <lenorajbowman@gmail.com> wrote:

Susie Sigman and I were able to go to her services.  Arnold Hansen came for the viewing then had to take off to another funeral in SLC.

It was a very honorable experience and we saw Alvin and Edna (Crane) Watchman, there.  

It was  a very beautiful and spiritually uplifting.  She has a very beautiful family and wonderful husband whom will miss her greatly but you could feel and see their spiritual unity and strength. 

She was my companion, in Mc laughlin.  I loved to watch her dance, her hula.  She was very beautiful. 

Lenora Yazzie Bowman

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Bio - Mike Hone

Back Row Left to Right: Mike, Melodie, Son: Jeremy, Son-in-law: Josh, holding Riley

Front Row: Son-in-law: Sam, Daughter: Natalie, Daughter: Nicole, holding Stephanie.

After my mission was finished,  I moved to Salt Lake City where my future wife was living.  I had first met her while serving in Pierre, SD, and we met again after she had moved to SLC a couple of weeks before I had my accident.  She heard about it and visited me while I was at LDS hospital.  Six months after I was released we started dating and we married in the Logan temple a year after that.  We have had a wonderful life together.  We had 2 daughters in SLC  while I attended the U of U, and UTC.   I graduated with a certificate in machine shop and have been working as a machinist since then.  We moved to Payson, UT where we had our son.  I later found work in Ogden and moved to Brigham City where we stayed until 2003.

After 18 years I found myself out of work because the company I worked for decided to get away from manufacturing and to vend the work out doing assembly and test only.  Because I had married a girl from SD I my support base extended there also.  My bro-in-law called me up when he saw a ad for a job in Britton, SD.  I sent the company a copy of my resume and they ended up relocating me there.  We have lived here since then and love it out here.  Our daughters stayed in  Utah and have since married.  My wife and I are grandparents to the cutest grandchildren.  I still have a strong testimony of the gospel, and give thanks for the blessing it has been of fulfilling my mission to the SDRCM.  As I look back on my life, I plainly see the Lord’s hand in getting me where I am today.

Bio - Cinda Thurman Kasen

It was my privilege to serve in the South Dakota-Rapid City Mission from April of 1977 to October of 1978.  I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with so many of you.  Since leaving the mission field I have been able to spend a semester at BYU-Hawaii, be a teacher at the MTC, graduate from BYU in Elementary Education, and my husband John Kasen and I were married in June of 1986 in the Los Angeles Temple.  We have lived in Utah, California, Idaho and currently reside in Denver, Colorado where we have lived for the past 12 years.  John currently works as the contract administrator for an Environmental Cleanup company. I spent the first 22 years of our marriage as a stay at home mom.  I am back in the classroom at Welby Montessori in the Mapleton School District, for the past 3 years. We have 4 wonderful children. Amber lives in North Hollywood, California and is a professional photographer. Chelsea is transitioning from MBA School, spending the summer in Switzerland and starting her career. Stewart is serving in the California-Long Beach Mission (Spanish speaking) and is still in his “greenie” area.  Our youngest daughter is K.T. and she is a sophomore at Broomfield High School.

My family and I enjoy serving in the church.  Serving a full time mission laid a firm foundation for life.  Study the Gospel, live the gospel and share the gospel with others.  I wish you all the best.

Bio - David M. Larsen

After serving my mission from 1977 - 1979, I married Sheri Bauder in 1984.  We have two children, Peter 23 and Emma 21.  Both are attending college.  After I returned home from my mission, I attended school at  Utah Valley Community College and BYU.  I have worked in the semiconductor business for 29 years.  We started our married life in Utah and then moved Albuquerque, New Mexico for 11 years.  We have been back in Utah for the last 7 years.  I am currently serving as the Bishop of the Copperview 1st ward in Riverton, Utah.  I work at Fairchild Semiconductor in West Jordan.