David Saleutogi Kuresa

David Saleutogi "Dave" Kuresa, beloved husband, father, coach, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 63 years old.

Dave was born on April 27, 1963, in Hawaii to Futi Tanielu Kuresa and Pepe Elizabeth Leiataua. He spent his childhood in Rancho Cucamonga, California, growing up alongside his five brothers and two sisters. From an early age, Dave had a presence that filled any room he walked into. He had a gift for storytelling, a larger than life personality, and a way of making everyone around him feel seen, valued, and welcome.

He graduated from Alta Loma High School, where his path in football began to take shape. As a standout offensive lineman, Dave was heavily recruited and ultimately chose to play at Utah State University after joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 18 years old, a decision that guided the rest of his life.

At Utah State, Dave became one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever wear Aggie blue. His toughness, leadership, and consistency earned him recognition as a member of Utah State's All Century Team. It was also during his time in Logan that he met the love of his life, Susanne Haws.

In many ways, Dave and Susanne were opposites, but they were identical in their commitment to God and family. Their eternal union was blessed with three children: Jake, Jaicee, and Alex. His greatest satisfaction came from helping them achieve their dreams and watching them honor family above all, carrying on the Samoan tradition of 'Aiga. As much as Dave loved his children, it paled in comparison to his love for his grandchildren. Every conversation turning to stories about his family; he exercised his Dad and Papa bragging rights broadly and liberally.

Dave devoted his life to serving others. He worked for 34 years in the juvenile justice system as a youth corrections supervisor, where he instilled hope, accountability, and a belief in a better future for countless young people.

He also gave 40 years to coaching on the south end of Cache Valley, spending 35 years at Mountain Crest High School and his final 5 years at Ridgeline High School. Between the two programs, Dave was part of 5 state championship teams, serving as the offensive line coach for each of them. But for Dave, it was never just about wins or titles. He cared deeply about the people he coached. He spent countless hours coaching youth football, including his final season in the Fall of 2025 with a Ridgeline 5th grade team. Dave also coached youth basketball and baseball, impacting generations of kids, many of whom didn't play football but still felt his influence.

Dave loved his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ more than anything. He centered his life on Their eternal plan of happiness and found purpose in sharing God's love through ministering to others. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived his faith daily in the way he served, loved, and lifted those around him.

To know Dave was to know joy. His laugh was melodic, abundant, and unforgettable. His stories and one-liners were endless. He loved music and was often found listening to and singing along with a wide variety of genres, but especially island reggae and R&B. His heart was big, and his love for people was even bigger. He had a rare ability to connect with anyone, whether it was a player, a neighbor, a colleague, or a stranger.

Dave and Susanne are the parents of three children, David Jacob (Robyn), Jaicee (Sam), and Alex (Madison). They have seven grandchildren: Sienna, Khloe, David, Makai, Kalisi, Aleki, and Seila. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Jay Saleutogi Roden, his brothers Kula Kuresa and Fatu Kuresa, and his father-in-law, Ralph Jay Haws.

He is survived by his wife, his children and children-in-law, and seven, soon to be eight, beautiful grandchildren.

A funeral service for Dave will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 noon, at the Providence South Stake Center, 360 E 450 N, Millville, Utah.  A short viewing will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00 to 11:15 AM.  An additional viewing will be held on May 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah.  The interment will be at the Millville Cemetery.