Nou Houa Vang

Nou Houa Vang, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in the late afternoon on December 8, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by his wife and loved ones at home.

Nou Houa was born on August 15, 1948, in Phathi, Houaphanh Province, Laos. He served honorably as a soldier in the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU), a CIA covert army, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1975, where he advanced in rank to Master Sergeant.

On January 11, 1979, Nou Houa and his family immigrated to St. Paul, Minnesota, as part of the U.S. Indochinese refugee resettlement efforts following the Vietnam War. He received numerous honors and medals for his service, including a Purple Heart. In Minnesota, he continued his service to others as a respected clan leader and a father figure to many families.

Nou Houa was preceded in death by his mother, Mai Chang. He is survived by his loving wife, Soua Thao; his son, Chong Pao Vang; seven grandchildren: Belinda (Calvin), Richie (Jennifer), Angelia, Alicia (Josiah), Akira, Akianna, and Surocnia; and eight great-grandchildren: Ronin, Evielle, Ariel, Ren, Lottie, Koa, Noella, and Rose.

His strength, resilience, and legacy will live on through his family and the many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom he loved dearly and embraced as his own sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.