Chiem Cho Khuane Saetern

October 5, 1939 - September 26, 2023

Chiem was a kind soul with a gentle personality who loved god. He was

able to make the best of anything life threw at him. He loves his family

unconditionally and really enjoyed spending time reading the Bible.

Chiem Cho Khuane passed away on Tuesday September 26th 2023 to be

with his siblings Muong, Nai, Sengh, Saan and Lai, who were waiting for

him with our Heavenly Father. At the time of his passing, he was

surrounded by his daughters Mae, Koi, Kae and granddaughter Kayla.

Chiem was born on October 5th 1939 to Yoon Khuane (Sioux Fou) and

Nying Fou Saetern in Panh Sien Long in Muang Sing district, Lao

(La’Zuoqv Laangz next to Longh Saan Laangz). He was the 2nd eldest son

, the fourth born child out of eight. His 3 sisters: Muong Khuane, Nai

Khuane, Lai Khuane and 4 brothers: Sengh Khuane, San Khuane, Sou

Khuane and Jiouh Orn (is his adopted name, formerly known as Ou

Khuane).

Chiem grew up in a village in Lao called Domh Laangz (this means “big

village” in Mien) before moving to Ban Mai Doi Deang in Nam Keng. There

they lived as farmers cultivating their crops and enjoying their lives.

In Chiem’s emerging adulthood years he met his first partner Koy ging, and

at the age of 23 they had their first child; their daughter formerly known as

Mae Koy (now known as Yien Luang) who was adopted by a loving couple

while Chiem was away serving in the Laotian military. Chiem served in the

Laotian Military from 1962 to 1975. In the decade-long war between the

Royal Lao government and the Communist Pathet Lao.

At the age of 30, Chiem married his second partner, Jio Chien Saetern, and

took in her son Kao Cho to be his own. Chiem and Jio had four more

children: daughters Mae cho (born in Laos), Nai cho (born in Thailand, who

passed within the first couple years of life), Koi cho (born in Thailand) and

then Kae cho once they arrived in the United States.

After the war ended, threats from the communist government led them to

flee by night, crossing the Mekong river. Chiem, along with his wife Jio

and their two children Kao and Mae escaped from Lao with his sister,

Nai khuane and her young children. After a night long journey from Nam

Keng, Lao, they arrived safely in Chiang Saen, Thailand.

In 1976, Chiem & Jio’s son Kao became feverishly sick. With Kao’s life

hanging in the balance, Chiem and his family turned to god and prayed

for his recovery. Recognizing the lord had answered their prayers,

Chiem and his family converted to Christianity by 1977.

In 1979 Chiem, wife Jio, and their three children Kao, Mae & Koi arrived to

the United States. Enrolling in ESL classes upon arrival, Chiem was able

to learn English and become a contributing member of the local

community. He would use his English skills to help others transition easily

into American life.

Despite his mental health challenges, Chiem was able to live a fulfilling

life. He enjoyed going to church, socializing in the neighborhood, playing

cards, Which he enjoyed as a pastime with his daughters. He especially

enjoyed the experience of becoming a grandfather to his first two

grandchildren Cindy and Becky. Now he has a total of 14 Grandchildren

ranging from 9 to 34 years old and 9 great grandchildren ranging from 1 to

19 years old.

I want to end the Eulogy with Chiem’s favorite scripture John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.“