Pheng Siharath

Obituary for a Beloved Father and Grandfather

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pheng Siharath who left us on December 3, 2024, at the age of 91 due to pneumonia. He always smiled for every photo and was curious until the day of his death. A man of remarkable spirit and resilience, he led a life rich in love, laughter, adventure, and joy. 

Born in warm and humid Laos, Pheng emigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1980, witnessing snow for the first time and discovering a love for the Packers. Demonstrating a remarkable work ethic, he taught his seven children to live with purpose and become productive adults, each building their own families and contributing to their communities. His legacy lives on through his numerous grandchildren, but also in what he taught them. 

Through him, they learned the ideals of persistence and the payoff of working hard. Gored by a water buffalo that flipped him around like a ragdoll back in Laos, he was in the hospital for two months, during which time, he was brought his accounting work to do while a nurse picked chunks of dirt from his wounds. He’s the father that woke up to help four of his children with their first jobs, delivering heavy Sunday papers before people brewed their first cup of coffee. While his children were still young, he and his wife woke up at 4:30 AM every day to commute to a low paying job, returning home at 5:30 PM every day. No job was too small. Responsibility was simply as much a part of life as was taking a breath. 

Pheng had a zest for life that took him across the world. He loved to travel, be out and about, and meet people, experiencing the wonders of Paris, Australia, Canada, and SE Asia. French was one of three languages he spoke, and he would sometimes reminisce by dropping in French vocabulary as he explained concepts in both English and Lao. He traveled to Thailand and Laos and spent several months exploring the natural beauty of Australia. These journeys enriched his life and gave him a wealth of experience that he cherished and shared with those around him. Of course, he loved Lao food and various fruits. He loved gardening, fishing, and was never too shy to miss a party. Put down a piece of paper or an item in front of him, and he would pick it up to examine and explore it. He kept up on world affairs and had a sharp memory throughout his life. It’s only fitting that he leaves the world the same year that Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune, one of the staples in his life. 

In the end, it was his body that gave out, but his wheel keeps spinning. Rest in peace, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandfather, and lover of life, knowing that the piece that you leave behind is an indomitable spirit that lives on through those that loved you.