Maikeli Iohani Holger Wolfgramm (1945-2021) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

One who walked to the beat of his own drum and dared to dream with his eyes wide open, Maikeli Iohani Wolfgramm, age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 5, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. He was born February 10, 1945 in Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga, son of lohani Otto Melila Wolfgramm & Salote Lasini Fakatou. He was raised in a home of faith exemplified by his parents missionary work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, genealogy & family history work, temple work, & their great love of serving God & His children. He was blessed growing up with eighteen siblings of whom he loved dearly.

In 1964 he fell in love with Olimpia Vake Tavo, a beautiful Catholic young woman from the village of Matahau, Tongatapu. They ran away together to be married & were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 31, 1966. They came to America in 1965 with Maikeli's parents, siblings, and firstborn son, Leroy. After 56 years of marriage & a life journey they could've never imagined, their family grew to a total of seventeen children. In the latter part of their marriage, they served for 17 years as ordinance workers at the Redlands California Temple & the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.

As a resilient pioneer in the entertainment industry, his vision & faith to pursue the American Dream came to fruition between 1977 to 1989. He fearlessly formed the first Polynesian music group with his 8 oldest children, the band known to the world as the Grammy Nominated group. The Jets. With Billboard hits still in rotation on radio today, they have touched millions of lives with their musical legacy. He was humbly thankful & proud of this rare accomplishment to see this dream for his family come true. Maikeli was a man that was fearless in his faith to God & was blessed with the ability to inspire hard work & sacrifice in his children. He had a quirky sense of humor that was surprising to many, along with his unique sense of style which he owned 100%. Always bringing a smile to others & a good laugh, he would talk to anyone & loved sharing many stories of a life well lived. He loved to travel. He thought independently & lived his life that way. Most of all he loved our Savior Jesus Christ & serving God's children wherever he was led. He was a man of great faith, a man all his own.

As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be truly missed by all who loved him. We love you Dad! Thank you for giving us so many magnificent memories & stories that will keep us laughing and remembering your beautiful soul! Until we meet again, ofa lahi atu.

Survived by his wife Vake, 17 children, 74 grandchildren, to great grandchildren, & 15 siblings. Preceded in death by his parents & 5 siblings.

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