4/7/1956 – 8/1/2018
Omaha – Phia Yang was born April 7, 1956 to May Lo and Blia Cha Yang in Sanquan, Laos. At 14, Phia worked as an air controller for the U.S. Army at an American air base in Northern Laos, helping to direct bombers towards enemy troops. After the Americans withdrew, Phia was marked for execution and fled to the U.S., seeking asylum. Phia and his cousins were sponsored through the Lutheran Immigration Service and Messiah Lutheran Church and settled in Omaha, Nebraska.
Phia attended Ralston High School and, after graduation, attended Metropolitan Community College. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in 1997. Phia had a rich and diverse professional life: from working as a cook in a Japanese restaurant to working for Control Data for over 10 years.
Phia was married in November 1979 to Xay Lee. They went on to have six beautiful children: Naldo, London, Olien, Vao, Yulai and Goaler Yang. He worked hard every single day to provide for his family and to protect them. They always had everything they ever needed thanks to his strong work ethic and love for his family.
The joy of Phia’s life was his five grandchildren, all boys. He was so proud to be a Grandpa. He spent his last years doting on his family and following his grandchildren around taking pictures of them.
In 2014, Phia had a heart attack. The doctors had given him 6 to 12 months to live, but by God’s grace, he was given enough strength to live and love with his family for four more years. He passed away with his family by his side on August 1st, 2018.
Visitation Saturday 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM with open casket; Speeches & Performances 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Saturday (8/11/2018) at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, Nebraska 68164; Interment Evergreen Memorial Park, Omaha, Nebraska.
