John Hao Soukkai

Lansing, Michigan

Born January 1, 1942 in Phongsali, Laos passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the age of 82.

Surviving are his wife, Pam Soukkai; his children, Bounpheng Chanthavonsouk, Khamphet Chanthavonsouk, Phou Chanthavonsouk, Phong Chanthavonsouk, and Paul Soukkai along with 8 loving grandchildren.

In Laos John worked as a tailor.  He had lost a portion of his left leg due to a landmine and worked with many handicapped soldiers modifying their uniforms as well as personal clothing.  John escaped Laos in March of 1980 due to the Communists taking over and wound up in a refugee camp in Thailand.  He had to leave his wife and 4 children behind at that time.  He was able to make his way to San Francisco in 1981 but saw no life or work for himself there.   He moved to Lansing, Michigan and met some people from Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Grand Ledge and became a member.  He was an active, loyal member of that Church until it closed at which point he became a member of the Hmong Christian Ministry in Lansing.  John was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in December of 1988 and two years later, in September of 1990, his wife and two youngest children were able to join him in the States.  The Communist would not release his two oldest sons at that time.  In December of 1991 the Communist Government of Laos released his two oldest sons and they were able to join the family in Lansing.  John and Pam had their youngest son, Paul, in the States.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with Pastor Chava Vang officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service on Sunday.