Sisavath Chandavong

Sisavath Chandavong was born in Hat-Nang-Muon-Quay, Laos, October 4, 1943, the son of Phoumy and Khamdy Chandavong. He was raised there where during his teenage years he was a Buddhist Monk. On April 19, 1967, Sisavath was united in marriage with Dzau Baccam at Vientiane, Laos. They made their home in Laos where Sisavath was employed as a radio engineer for the United States Embassy. After spending nearly two months as refugees in Thailand the family moved to Denison, Iowa, June 21, 1976 where they raised their eight children, moving into their present home in 1977. Sisavath was employed in Denison at Dubuque Packing Company from 1976 until 1988. After Dubuque closed he was employed for a few years at IBP in Storm Lake and later at Farmland in Denison from which he retired in 2007. He spent his retirement years in Denison. Sisavath died Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 8 days. Including his parents and several siblings, Sisavath was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Caterina Van Luong. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Dzau Chandavong of Denison, Iowa, nine children: Sam Baccam and wife, Sara, of Denison, Iowa, Thong Deng Xaykose and wife, Anousone of West Des Moines, Iowa, Eric Chandavong and wife, Chansamone, of Des Moines, Iowa, Bone Chandavong and wife, Christine of Des Moines, Iowa, Sida and husband, Chay Lo of Denison, Iowa, Vanessa and husband, Jose Garcia of Denison, Iowa, Davanh Chandavong of Denison,Iowa, Brittany Shannon of Des Moines, Iowa, and Cy Chandavong and wife, Tina, of Waukee, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers in Laos and 1 sister, Kham Tanh Leng of Denison, Iowa; other relatives and friends. Sisavath was one of the most caring and kind-hearted people you could ever cross paths with. Without hesitation, he was always putting others first, expecting nothing in return because that’s just who he was. His life revolved around his family. He was a devoted husband for 45 years and a dedicated father, grandfather, and uncle. As long as his family was happy, he was happy. His smile and heart of gold will be forever missed. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Pfannebecker Funeral Home, Denison, Iowa, Calvin Baccam serving as officiant and eulogist with the grandchildren sharing remembrances. Those serving as pallbearers included Sam Baccam, Eric Chandavong, Thong Deng Xaykose, Bone Chandavong, Cy Chandavong and Chay Lo. Following the services cremation rites were accorded. Graveside ceremonies and inurnment were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.