William Allen Vann

William A. Vann, age 76, of Hayward, WI passed away peacefully after six long, hard-fought years, battling pancreatic cancer. Bill was surrounded by loving family at the time of his passing.

William Allen Vann was born May 19, 1949 in Chicago, IL, the son of Edward Vann, Jr. and Dorothy Vann (Johnson). At an early age, Bill moved with his family to Hayward, WI where he would grow up and attend school. Bill graduated from Hayward High School in 1967. Bill entered Basic Training for the U.S. Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri on September 8 of the same year. After Basic Training, Bill entered specialized training for 2 months at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. Bill served 2 extended tours during the Vietnam War and earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Meritorious Unit Citation. Bill first served with the 374th Radio Research Company. Then for his second tour, Bill served in the 335th Radio Research Company (December 1970 – June 1972).

While serving in Vietnam, Bill met Ly Thi Huong (Huong). A short time after they met, Bill started to teach Huong English as well as some funny English slang down the road. Bill and Huong were married in Vietnam, and there first daughter (Thuy) was born in Vietnam also. When Bill was honorably discharged, he had to return to the States for a short time. As soon as he was able, Bill returned to Vietnam to bring Huong and his daughter (Thuy) back to the United States in 1973. A year later, their second daughter Susan was born in Hayward, WI.

Bill and his family settled in Hayward where he worked at various places including the Hayward Tree Nursery, Chippewa Industries (Dresser, Lumber & Tie), Hayward Lakes Co-op, Sawyer County Court House, and shoveled snow for several businesses in Hayward. Bill also volunteered at the Hayward Nursing Home until he was offered part-time employment. Most notably, Bill helped his wife, Huong, to achieve her dream of opening a Vietnamese restaurant where they owned and operated for 17 years. Bill enjoyed talking with the customers, making them laugh with his jokes, and seeing the smiles on their faces when he would bring their food out. Bill made long-lasting friendships with customers, with many of them still in touch with our family today.

Bill enjoyed watching the L.A. Lakers when Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played for them. Bill was very interested and knowledgeable in military history and loved watching military movies. Bill also cheered for the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed taking drives in the country with his wife (Huong), listening to military medleys, and watching Vietnamese music on YouTube. Bill enjoyed talking and joking with friends and strangers; he made friends wherever he went.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years (Huong); two daughters, Thuy (Steve) Smith in Washington State; Sue (Erick Simola) Vann of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters, Leslie (Richard) Plechaty in Marshfield, WI; Serena Vann in Hayward, WI; and Huong's 3 sisters in Vietnam (Ly Thi Phanh – deceased, Ly Thi Kinh, Ly Thi Chay). Bill has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews in Wisconsin and in Vietnam.

William was preceded in death by his parents (Edward L. Vann, Jr. & Dorothy Vann); brother (Ronald Vann); and an infant brother (Edward Vann).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks if you would donate to Wounded Warrior Project in William's memory.

A committal service for family and close friends will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, WI. Gary Hilgendorf will officiate the committal service. Military honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program. A small gathering with light refreshments and snacks will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Spooner Funeral Home.