Somkit "Kit" Saengphaphat

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we honor the life of Kit Saengphaphat, who passed away peacefully at the age of 52, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, due to health-related complications.
Kit and his family, as refugees from Laos, began new lives in the U.S. at the age of 7. While attending William Floyd High School in Long Island, NY, he enjoyed playing volleyball, baseball, football, and track & field. As a New Yorker, he gained appreciation for and grew to love the Jets. Eventually settling and building a life in Wisconsin, Kit continued his entrepreneurial dreams by completing culinary school, overcoming adversity and starting his own restaurant in Manitowoc, Nikko's Thai Restaurant.
Kit's quiet strength and presence were a guiding light in the lives of his children, Nikko (19) and Soleia (10). He parented with grace-never loud or forceful, but always mindful and deeply engaged. His children knew his love through peaceful conversations, his gentle wisdom, and the countless ways he showed up with consistency and care.
Kit passed down more than just life lessons-he passed down a legacy. Through his love of Thai cooking, he offered his children a connection to their heritage, their culture, and to him. Kit's cooking was more than simply preparing food - he built a reputation around his passion that left a lasting imprint on everyone who gathered at his table.
Kit's relationship with the children's mother, Stacey and her partner Shane, was marked by respect and collaboration. As co-parents, they honored each other's roles and worked together to nurture the hearts and lives of the children.
Nikko, now a thoughtful young man, carries a deep appreciation for the respect of others that his father quietly instilled in him. Nikko's long held memories of his dad include their conversations about sports and their shared love of Kit's favorite Asian cuisine. Nikko will forever cherish the memories of quality father-son time. Soleia remained intentionally close to her father, often calling him just to hear his voice, or simply share FaceTime calls while they shared bowls of Ramen noodles across their digital connection. These small, treasured moments are now lasting gifts-reminders of his treasured love.
Aside from all the heartfelt memories, certain moments will always bring a smile to us as we remember Kit. His towering height surprised most who met him, but his presence was always eclipsed by his kindness and generosity. Kit's reserved personality paired with his loyalty to many made him a stranger to no one. His uncanny ability to shotgun a beer without anything but his bare hands for tools will forever define the fun times he shared with friends. Kit was a kind soul who enjoyed bringing people together, and was a bright star who lived life to the fullest.
Kit's memory lives on in the soft words of encouragement passed down to a new generation, and in the quiet strength that shaped the relationships with his family and friends.
He will be dearly missed-but never forgotten. The brightest stars always seem to burn out the fastest, but leave behind a sky that will forever be changed by their light.
Kit is survived by his children, Nikko and Soleia; two brothers, Sam Saengphaphat and Koson Saengphaphat; sister, Pathnaree Dinh; also many other relatives and friends. Kit was preceded in death by his parents, Pheng and Tip Saengphaphat; and sister, Dawn Saengphaphat.
A Life Celebration Social for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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