Nao Soua Thor

Nao Soua Thor, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 4, 2026. A man of extraordinary strength, courage, and resilience, his life stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and unwavering devotion to family. He was born on August 2, 1949 (actual birth year 1940), in the village of Hav Laim, Luang Prabang Province, Laos, to Mr. and Mrs. Chai Chue Thor (Chaiv Tswb Thoj and Mim Hawj). He was the beloved grandson of Kia Soua Thor and Mai Vang. In his early years, he moved with his family to Chong Chia and later to Phu Lav in Xiengkhouang Province, experiences that shaped his enduring strength and determination.

Nao Soua Thor enlisted in the Royal Lao Army and served honorably during the Secret War in Laos. Through courage and discipline, he rose to become a respected leader, carrying a deep sense of duty to his homeland and the Hmong people. Following the fall of the Royal Lao Government in 1975, he led his family through years of hardship and uncertainty before guiding them safely to Thailand in 1980. In January 1981, he resettled in Danville, Illinois, and in 1983 made his permanent home in Appleton, Wisconsin. There, he continued to build a life grounded in resilience, faith, and devotion to family.

He is reunited in eternal peace with his beloved wife, Lou Vang; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chai Chue Thor; his grandparents, Kia Soua Thor and Mai Vang; and his cherished siblings, Xia (Txhiav) and Tong (Tooj), who went before him. Nao Soua Thor is survived by his loving sisters, Por Soua (Poj Sua) and Nu (Nub); and was the proud father of fourteen children and the cherished grandfather of fifty-seven grandchildren. His legacy lives on through each of them.

Throughout his life, he embodied strength in adversity and courage in uncertainty. His sacrifices created opportunities for generations to come. His story reflects not only personal resilience but also the enduring bond between the Hmong people and the United States — a legacy of loyalty, sacrifice, and hope. Nao Soua Thor’s life will be remembered as one marked by bravery, perseverance, and deep love for his family. He will be deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered.


Funeral services will be held at: Valley Funeral Home - Richmond Hall; 2531 N. Richmond St. Appleton, WI

Saturday, March 14 | 8:00 AM - Midnight
Sunday, March 15 | 8:00 AM - Overnight.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15 between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. 

Burial Services:
Monday, March 16 | 10:00 AM
Riverside Cemetery
714 N Owaissa Street
Appleton, WI 54911

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.