Tu'iketei Lui Wolfgramm

Tu’iketei Lui Wolfgramm...The man, the myth, but especially the legend, passed away peacefully, and pain free, surrounded by his loving family, (from both sides of the veil) on Friday, October 2, 2026. Lui was born on the outlying island of Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga to Emil and AnaLatu, on March 14, 1945. Lui was the youngest of ten children. When he was eight years old, Lui was sent to live in New Zealand with his oldest brother, Bill and his family. With the hopes of a better education, which he secured by attending Seddon Memorial Technical College, and eventually earning a Master's in Carpentry, where he'd find the profession that he passionately loved and excelled at. A trade that he would go on to perfect over the next 55 years. Lui was eventually recruited to play rugby in the minor leagues while in New Zealand with the intention of moving up to a major league team because he was just that good!

But the Lord had other plans for him when he met the true love of his existence, Joella Iris Bisson while she was serving in the United States Peace Corp, stationed in Tonga. Lui was so sure she was the one that he had the audacity to propose on their very first date, which Joella promptly declined. If you knew Lui, you'd know how tenacious he is. He didn't give up on the quest he had already set out on, and eventually won Jo over with his devilish good looks, unbelievable charm and ridiculously on-point sense of humor, and don’t even get us started on his impeccable dancing abilities ---only to be called on to serve an LDS mission shortly after their engagement. Lui approached Jo with the unexpected surprise of his call to serve and humbly told her, "Joella, as much as I love you, I love the Lord more." He went on to share his testimony with the people of Australia where he dedicated two years of his life. This would be just one of six missions Lui served honorably and diligently.

When Lui returned from Australia he met Joella in Utah, where they married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple for time and all eternity, on May 19, 1972. Lui and Joella built a beautiful life together, while adding six children into their posterity which includes Lui Jr. (Shannon), Owen, Derek (Jamie), Christina (Eddie), GeAnna (Rich) and Amee (Brett).

Lui understood deeply the powerful and significant role his Polynesian heritage played in his life. Wanting his children to fully appreciate that too was at the forefront of one of his life’s hopes and ambitions. Which he turned into a reality when Lui and Joella moved their growing family to Tonga in 1984, where they would spend the next several years making precious memories that are frequently shared at every family gathering.

Lui is an active and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith and love of the Gospel was evident in the way he lived his everyday life. He faithfully served 5 additional missions with his dream companion that he found in Joella; together they actively labored in Christmas Island, Hawaii, Tonga, Denmark, and Nepal. Lui touched the lives of so many people all over the world and has maintained those important friendships to this day.

In the last few years of his life, Lui blissfully enjoyed spending time with each of his 22 grandchildren, who affectionately refer to him as "Papa." This is where he experienced firsthand exactly what "joy in your posterity" means. Lui’s legacy will live eternally through the precious memories, countless life lessons, and firsthand Christlike examples that have been gifted to his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest easy Papa, we’ll take it from here, while making sure to keep dancing in the kitchen. Until we meet again…

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 2557 Dalton Drive, Springville, Utah. A visitation for family and friends will also be held at the church on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Livestream may be viewed below, or at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/JBo4ZqFCZ24?feature=share 

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.