Dakota “Koda” Kiel Staker January 18, 1995 - July 4, 2022

Dakota “Koda” Kiel Staker

Koda was born on January 18, 1995. He was the second of three children. He passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2022, as a result of accidental drowning.

Koda was a big guy with a soft heart. We often referred to him as our “Gentle Giant.” Everyone that knew him loved him.

Koda graduated from Copper Hills High School in 2013. He had a variety of work experience. He was such a hard worker. All of his employers praised him for his performance on a regular basis. His most recent job was working as the Receiver for Pepsi in Springville, Utah. He liked that he got to drive the forklift. Even when he accidentally put the forks through the roof of one of the trailers.

There was never a shortage of hugs when Koda was around. You were always greeted with a hug and left with a hug. Koda loved camping, boating, hiking, and spending time outdoors. He especially loved to fish. He enjoyed his frequent fishing trips with his dad and often would set out on his own after work to fish. He always wanted to be the one to catch the bigger fish. Koda never outgrew his love of video games, dinosaurs, Pokemon and Yugioh. Every year at Christmas he asked for more Yugioh cards.

Koda’s life was not without struggle. He went through a dark time in his life as many young people do. He made a decision to change his life and head in a positive direction with a positive attitude. This change led him to the love of his life, Rachel Woodland. Koda and Rachel met in January of 2021. Koda always wanted a family of his own, and got this on June 4, 2022, when he and Rachel were married. He officially became “Dad” to Lilly age 5 and Brantley age 2.

Koda loved his family dearly. He would often send a quick text or make a quick call just to tell you he loved you. His heart was so full of love for Rachel and his children. He had a constant smile on his face in their presence. He was so proud of his little family.

Losing Koda has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. We miss him terribly! Although we all have different religious views, we all believe we will see him again someday. We look forward to this reunion.

Koda is survived by his wife, Rachel, children Lilly and Brantley, father and stepmother, Jason and Teresa Staker, stepbrother and step sisters, Challise (David), Jordan and Rachel Harvey, step-grandmother, Suzanne Denney, mother Heidi Staker (John Hazleton), father and mother in law, Joe and Donna Woodland, brother and sister, Kalub and Hunter Nicole Staker (Skylar Fenton), grandparents Paul and Lawna Staker. Koda had an amazing tribe of friends. He was especially close to Alex, Wyatt, Will and Owen. Koda has many aunts, uncles and cousin that will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by grandmother, Angie Espinoza.

Contributions to the memorial fund for Koda’s wife and children can be made via Venmo @rwood94.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 75 South Center Street, Goshen, Utah. Visitation will be held prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Monday, July 11, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Goshen Town Cemetery, 10500 West 15800 South, Goshen, Utah.