Youa K. (Khang) Chang

Youa Khang Chang, 86, passed away on January 7, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Youa was born in Punong, Laos on October 8th, 1935. She was born to the late Vang Yee Khang and Vue Yang and had four siblings. In her first marriage, Youa had one son. When she later married Say Kao Chang she was blessed with four more children; all whom she raised as her own.

She became a refugee of the Vietnam War but was fortunate enough to make a home in the United States. Youa and her family were one of the first Hmong families to arrive in America and were accepted into Dallas, North Carolina in 1976. In 1995, Youa and her family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin.

Youa was the beloved matriarch of a large family. She was hard-working, wise, and kind. Her love came in the form of always making sure everyone was fed and in good health. She also enjoyed caring for young children and the family dog, Gunther. In her free time she liked sewing traditional Hmong embroidery, paj ntaub.

Her memory will live on through all those who hold her dear in their hearts. Survivors include her four remaining children, Pang Khang, Lee Yang, Lyvong Chang, and Michael Chang, 32 grandchildren, and 44 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, husband, son, Pao Chang, daughter-in-law, Choua Bla Thao, and grandson, Jesse Yang.

Funeral services will take place at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes, 3400 Stewart Ave, Wausau, from 9am until 8pm on Sunday, January 30th, 2022. Burial services will be held 9am to 11am on Monday, January 31st, 2022.