Chung Chien I

MARQUETTE, MI - I Chung "IC Chien, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2022 at Brookridge Heights.
IC was born on December 15, 1931 in Wuxi China to peasant farmers during a very tumultuous time in China. As a child, he endured extreme food scarcity, war, and a tuberculosis epidemic that swept through his village, taking many people including his father. Growing up in a rural village offered him very few educational and future job opportunities. His uncle, a well-known physician, knew IC was a bright, adventurous and motivated kid who, given the right opportunities, would be successful. At the young age of 13, IC left his hometown with his uncle, travelling to other parts of China. In 1948, they all fled to Hong Kong after the Communist takeover of China.
There, he apprenticed as a draftsman and studied to be an architect, learning English at night through classes taught at the local YMCA. He soon became well known as an architect who could solve difficult building problems. In 1958 he married his beautiful wife, Grace Kwong Yee Wang. They both hoped to further their education in America and applied to come to America on a green card. Due to legislation following the Chinese Exclusion Act which severely limited the number of Chinese allowed into the country, he had to wait 7 years before he was given an opportunity to immigrate to America. By now, his situation had changed, he had a wife, two young children and a successful business. However, he saw the opportunity to come to America as his ultimate dream. In 1964, at the age of 33, he sold his architect business, home, and bid farewell to friends and family. With support from the American Lutheran Church and guidance from a Lutheran missionary, he started a new life with his young family in America. Settling in Chicago, he built a successful career as an architect designing hospitals for Schmidt, Gardener and Erickson for 25 years and Holabird and Root until he retired in 1996.
He was an avid gardener, bridge and mahjong player, champion ping pong competitor and Tai Chi master. He and his wife travelled extensively and visited every continent except Antarctica.
He will be most remembered for his kindness, humility, and generosity. Never forgetting where he came from, he generously supported his extended family in China. He was a wise sage and good listener and could give the best advice in as few words as possible. He was a devoted father, husband, and friend and had just enough mischief for adventure to be fun. He loved children and had endless patience. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren which he said made all his challenges and sacrifices well worth it.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Chien, his parents Zhi-Yi Chien and Yu-Zhen Lao Chien and sister Hui-Ping Chien Gao.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Grace Chien, daughter Jeannie Chien (Thomas) Wagner, grandson Zachary (Erica) Chien Wagner, grandson Eric Chien Wagner and great granddaughter Julia Rosalie Grace Wagner.
Friends may call at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 3, beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:30 pm. Rev. Dr. Andrew Plocher and Rev. Jon Magnuson will officiate. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran World Relief, https://lwr.org/.