Tong I. Choe

Tong I. Choe, 84, of Indianapolis, departed this life Thursday, January 23, 2020. Tong, also known as “Tony,” was born August 7, 1935 in Hapchun, Korea. In Korea, he worked with the United States Air Force as a base firefighter. Tong came to the United States in 1982 and settled in Indianapolis. He was a kind and gentle soul who was happiest working hard and enjoying his family. He loved fishing with his grandchildren and working at his restaurant. His first business here in the United States was a burger joint, while he chose to open a Korean bbq restaurant his love for burgers lived on. He owned and operated Bando Restaurant for 20 years before passing the business along to his daughter so he could retire and go fishing. Tong was an exceptional cook, talented gardener, master puzzle solver and rarely passed on a game of bingo. He taught his children and grandchildren great life values and to appreciate all that life has to offer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Im Choe; his loving children, Insuk Choe, Pyong Ho Choe and Young (Yoon Juchoe) Choe and six grateful grandchildren. Service will be held on Tuesday, January 28th at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel with visitation from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A memorial service for Tony will begin at 7:00pm. Online condolences are available at: www.leppertmortuary.com