Trong Van Dang

He was born in Phu Yen, Tuy Hoa Vietnam, and had a profound love for his country. He served with honors in the Vietnam War for several years before deciding to leave his beloved hometown and embarked on a journey to Chicago, IL with Lien Thuy Nguyen. Together, they raised five children, Lan Dang, Linh Dang, Tuan Dang, Loan Dang, and Lam Dang, who blessed him with 14 grandchildren (Melissa Tan, Matthew Tan, Madelyne Tan, Christina Cao, Crystal Cao, Daniel Cao, Mason Dang, Morgan Dang, Tia Chaiket, Tyler Chaiket, Tobi Chaiket, Hani Cho, Hayden Cho, and Hailey Cho). While in Chicago, he graduated at DeVry University and became self-employed in their family business.

I had the gift of seeing life through his eyes as his eldest granddaughter. He would often share stories with me of his time on the battlefields in Vietnam to building a life in America. While he spoke of his accomplishments with humility, it was clear that his greatest pride was his children and grandchildren. He was stoic and composed in his demeanor but would light up with pride recounting stories of his children and watching his grandchildren grow. He was a man of few words, yet his love was felt in the most gentle and thoughtful ways.

He taught us that happiness stems from appreciating the simple things in life. He showed us that despite life’s fragility there’s always much to be grateful for. His life was a reminder to embrace each moment fully and to move through life with no regrets, cherishing every experience.

We find comfort in knowing that his spirit of resilience, love, and quiet strength will continue to live on within each of us. Ong Ngoai, enjoy a cup of coffee and the sunshine until we all meet again.

A visitation for Trong will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. A time of prayers will occur Monday, August 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. A committal service will occur Monday, August 5, 2024 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660.