Michael Jesse Kealii Kalawaia

Michael Jesse Kealii Kalawaia passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, following a short illness, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the age of 61.

Mike was born in Salt Lake City on September 16, 1959 to Jesse Kapuahelani Kalawaia and Lurene Going Maughan Kalawaia (divorced).  Mike spent his early years in Bountiful, Holladay, and Sugarhouse, Utah. 

Mike graduated from Highland High School In 1978. He then attended a trade school where he learned Auto Body Shop and other car maintenance. He married Lisa Ogzewalla in 1986 (divorced).  He married Lila Jean (Jeannie) Stevens On August 3,1991 in Kaysville, Utah.  Mike was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth.

Mike was a hard worker from a young age. He spent early mornings and afternoons delivering newspapers. When he was a little older he began working for the Newspaper Agency Corporation and worked there for over 20 years. At the time of his death he was working for Jerry Seiner Cadillac in Salt Lake City and for the University of Utah. Mike almost always had more than one job and was always willing to work the odd shifts. He was a very loyal and dependable employee. He had a great work ethic and was admired by and enjoyed the friendship of many of his co-workers.

Mike loved the mountains, and he and Jeannie enjoyed camping trips to Vernal and to Ogden Canyon. Mike was very proud of his Hawaiian Heritage and especially loved camping at Iosepa. Over the years he worked alongside others to make it a gathering place to teach Polynesian people and honor our ancestors. He also spent many years involved in the Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club and helped each year with the Living Traditions Festival held in Salt Lake City.

Mike and Jeannie were very passionate about animals and animal rescue. They always made room in their home for some furry friends. 

Mike had a big heart and a kind, cheerful disposition. He was always willing to help anyone with anything and always with a smile on his face. He never tried to impress or be anything other than who he was. He was genuine and pure. He loved his family unconditionally and enjoyed getting together to celebrate family events.  He was always supportive and wanting to be involved.

Mike is survived by his wife Jeannie; step sons, Derrick E. Dearden (Monica), Meadow, Utah, Nicholas R. Dearden (Amber), Claremore, Oklahoma; step daughter, Sommer Ogzewalla, Salt Lake City, Utah; his mother, Lurene Kalawaia, Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters, Wendy Helani Kalawaia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Evelyn Kanani DeBrine (Karl), Salem, Utah. Several nieces and nephews, step grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike was dearly loved and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Mike was preceded in death by his father Jesse and his stepmother Shirley, his beloved grandparents; Lotheal Grupe (Eric), Alvin and Evelyn Maughan, and Jesse Kalawaia Sr (Echo).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 28th at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 am at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109. Interment will follow at the Elysian Gardens Cemetery 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah 84117. For your protection the family encourages wearing masks. The service will also be available to watch online. To watch the funeral scroll to the bottom of Mike's obituary page on the Holbrook Mortuary website on the day of the service. The service will remain available to watch for 90 days.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors who cared for Mike at the University of Utah ICU, and also for the outpouring of love and prayers from family and friends.