NaoToua Thao

NaoToua Thao, age 64 of Appleton, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. NaoToua was born in Laos, on June 15, 1958. He married Sai Yang and had 10 children; 7 sons and 3 daughters.

He is survived by his wife Sai Yang and his sons and (daughter-in-laws); Toua (Tong Lee), Chee (PaChee Lee), Vam Xeeb (Paj Ploua Vang), XuLa, Cheng, Jerry and Tou Mike.  He is also survived by his daughters Maiyeng, Pazao and Yer. Along with his grandchildren. 

At a very young age in 1970 - 1975, NaoToua served in the Vietnam War under the command of General Vang Pao in Region 2, Laos. When the war came to an end he fled to Thailand and met his wife Sai Yang. There they lived in the refugee camps, had their 3 oldest sons and made their way to the United States. NaoToua and his family lived in Appleton where he passed away at the Appleton Medical Center. 

NaoToua was a very caring, compassionate and dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and sightseeing. He loved going to the zoos and enjoyed spending time outdoors.  His favorite time of the year was squirrel hunting season, where he would go hunting from the start of the season to the very last hours. His children remembers him as a “Fruit Eating Connoisseur” and someone who always made them laugh. He ate everything from pomelos, papayas, longans, jackfruit, to dragon fruits, and even durian. NaoToua is most missed for his laughter, which would fill up the room and get every one of his children laughing along with him. 

Traditional Hmong Funeral will be held from Saturday, May 27, 2023, to Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Richmond Hall in Appleton, WI.  It will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, and on Monday it will be 24 hours. 

NaoToua’s resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery and the ceremony will start at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 30th.

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