John Don Chong

John Don Chong 张子健 was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 11, 1961 to Koon Hep (John, Sr.) and the late Lai Wah (Lily) Chong. He passed away in Evansville, Indiana on December 10, 2020. He lived in Freeland, Michigan, Indianapolis and Evansville, Indiana and Frostproof, Florida. He attended Wheeler, St. Mary’s Catholic, Harper, Wm. Henry Harrison High School, and Western Kentucky University. John demonstrated creative entrepreneurial skills as early as elementary school. His hobbies included photography, model rocketry, motorcycles, cars, boating, travel, pyrotechnics, and music. He was a lifetime member of Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.). He worked at F’s Steak House and helped his family operate the House of Chong Restaurant from 1975 until his parents retired in 2001. He was also a realtor for Century 21 and First Referrals. John and his high school sweetheart Anh Le (Anne) Tran were married for 35 years. John was known for making lifelong friends and helping them enjoy every moment of life to the fullest, especially at class reunions. He was a favorite uncle and with Anne helped raise his nieces and nephews and mentored many cousins. He was especially close to his nephew, Kevin Powell. He and Anne instilled the pride of their Hoisanese and Hakka heritages along with love and appreciation for all the foods and cultures of the world to their 97 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Along with their cousins and friends, they exemplify the potential of the American Dream. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Lai Wah (Lily) Seto Chong. John is survived by his devoted wife, Anne Le Tran Chong, his father John Koon Hep Chong, his sisters, Soi Powell (Mark), Kaye Mortensen (Lee), and Rose Toothaker (Jeffrey), his brothers/sisters-in-law, Tina Tran (John), Tony Tran (Le), Hoa Hoang (Ky), Quyen Quach (An), Khang Lam, Quan Tran (Zhen), Kamie Pham (Bryan), Nike Tran (Yan), Dan Chan (Ling),and Jimmy Chan (Tammy), 97 nieces and nephews, and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, specialists, nurses, and staff who helped hold John with us for nearly 60 wonderful years. Our love and gratitude also go to his friends and teachers who brought joy and insight to his life. We wish you love and peace. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until service time at Alexander East Chapel. Funeral Services will be held 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Joseph Ziliak, with burial at Park Lawn Cemetery. John’s funeral service will be livestreamed beginning at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way www.unitedwayswi.org Given the current pandemic guidelines, the family would understand if you choose not to personally attend. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com or cards may be mailed to the funeral home.