Youa Ying Xiong

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS - Youa Ying Xiong, of Danville, Illinois, passed away on August 4, 2017 at the age of 78. Youa was born in Xieng Khouang, Laos. He worked hard as a farmer and businessman in Laos until the Hmong involvement in the Secret War in Vietnam forced him to flee with his family to a Thai refugee camp. He endured both struggles in Laos and the conditions of the refugee camp, but fought to bring his family of nine to America through church sponsorship. Upon leaving the camp in 1979 with his family, he arrived in the United States and overcame the challenges in America to raise his family in Danville, Illinois. Youa appreciated the opportunities he had in life. He taught himself to fix cars, watches, and anything he needed to fix; build things such as tables, chairs, and household necessities; play the Hmong two-string violin; and engage his mind with numbers. He did not speak English fluently, but his understanding exceeded his English language ability. Youa was a hard-working person who enjoyed working at Greenwood Plastics, Inc. from 1999 until recently when he could no longer physically work. Among many things, some of his favorite pastimes were gardening, hunting, listening to music, and spending time with family. Youa was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Though he was not given an opportunity to obtain a formal education, he strongly instilled in his children the importance of education and how it could improve their lives. He was known for his calmness, wisdom, generosity, understanding, and great sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Youa was preceded in death by his still-born child; his son, Lee Vong Xiong; his parents, Nao Cha Xiong and Mao Vang; and his sisters, Lou Xiong and Xe Xiong. Youa leaves behind his wife, Xia Vang Xiong and their seven children: Michael (Mary Yang), Mai (Andrew Her), Jennifer Xiong (Gildas Lo), Christopher, Peter, May Kao Xiong (Garett Gietzen), and Lee Shoua (Valisiti Ong Vang). He is also survived by his thirty grandchildren: Timothy, Jeremiah, Sarah, Benjamin, David, and Amanda (Michael & Mary Xiong); Matthew, Kassy, Luke, Shawn, Heidi, and Mason (Mai and Andrew Her); Alexia, Samuel, Sean, James, and Elizabeth (Jennifer Xiong and Gildas Lo); Anthony, Kenneth, Patrick, Melissa, Dianna, and Nathan (Christopher); and Destinni, Dejavette, Cecilia, Tenji, Naturri, Genevieve, and Nyda (Lee Shoua Xiong & Valisiti Vang). Visitation/memorial service will be at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Rd., Madison, Wis., as part of a two-day traditional Hmong funeral, starting Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 7 a.m. and ending Monday, September 11, 2017 at 7:30 a.m. Visitation/memorial services will be 24 hours starting Saturday, September 9, 2017. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, Ill., at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017. In lieu of flowers, please send condolences to Michael Xiong at 923 Timberline Dr., Danville, IL 61832. Questions can be sent to mkxiong@gmail.com All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services 4058 Lien Road Madison, Wisconsin 53704 (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com