Fesaitu Samuela

Fesaitu (Itu) Samuela, 74, passed away on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at home due to cardiac arrest.

He was born in Savlei in the district of Itu'ti'u Rotuma, a Polynesian island in the Fiji Islands. His mother was Garisau Resine of Lau and his father was Semesi Samuela of Savlei. The family was raised in Motusa.

Itu grew up working hard on his family plantation and fishing in the ocean during his free time. At the age of 15, he moved to Suva and worked at a grocery store. Nine years later, during Christmas time, he met a young lady named Makereta. They dated briefly before he decided to move to Missoula, Montana, to live with his sister Lusie and brother-in-law Jerry Weber to earn a living. Before leaving Suva, he promised Makereta that he would return to marry her.

In Missoula, Itu worked and saved his money. After a year and a half, he requested a week's vacation and returned to Suva. He spoke to his parents and married Makereta. He used the money he had saved to pay for his family's side of the wedding. He then returned from vacation to Missoula, and Makereta joined him nine months later, making their home on the Northside.

Itu and Makereta raised their three boys together. Itu worked long hours at Champion (and later Stimson) to support his children in their endeavors. He traveled across Montana with his wife and kids looking for baseball fields in places they hadn't been to.

He enjoyed camping with his family at lakes around Montana. During night fishing trips, he would sit at the bow of the boat, trying to find the best fishing spots based on landmarks with his brother-in-law. He always tried to catch the biggest fish and proudly showed it off to his kids if they weren't fishing with him.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Itu cherished watching his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren play sports and spending time with the softball family. He also enjoyed playing cards with his brother-in-law and wife during retirement. A man of few words, Itu lived life on his own terms. He was fierce and known for his strength, but his sense of humor and deep love for his family endeared him to those lucky enough to know him.

Itu was preceded in death by his mother Garisau, father Semesi, sisters Sarote, Luise Katerine, Lusie Manao Samuela Weber, and brothers Pene and Emanueli. He is survived by his wife Makereta Samuela, son Emanueli (Erica) and children Tahina, Leilani, and Kiahna of Missoula; son Fuata (Anna) and children Koa and Alana of Missoula; son Joshua (Jess) and children Makai and Tevika of Missoula; daughter Celeste and children Marionna and Mario of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Sisiria Fong of Suva, Fiji; Maria Waqavanua of Suva, Fiji; sister Elena Sutton of Sidney, Australia; sister Sapeta Tang of Sidney, Australia; sister Joana Samuela of Suva, Fiji; and brother Fati Samuela of San Bruno, California; brother-in-law Jerry Weber and children Ian (Dawn) of Michigan, Elizabeth (Zeph) Schulz of Greenough, Montana; Kathy of Lolo; Paul (Kaci) of Missoula.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Orchard Homes Country Life Club at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 19th, 2025.