Dang Thi "Tu" Callens

Dang (Tu) Callens passed away on August 26, 2019.  Tu was born in South Vietnam, the third of nine children.  She met her husband, George, while she was working for the United States military, with the 509^th Radio Research Group at Davis Station, Tan Son Nhut Airforce Base.  In April 1975 Tu, George, and their then three children left Vietnam, staying one month in a refugee camp in Guam and one week at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, before settling in to their new life together near Minneota and Taunton, Minnesota.

Tu was a loving and iron-willed person who loved to laugh and be around people. She may have been small in physical stature but she could do the work of three people. Working hard and doing it well was something that gave her much pride. Tu was a long time employee with the dining facilities at Mankato State University. She loved being around the students and took special pride when the Minnesota Vikings came to dine during their pre-season practices and scrimmages. She was an avid Purple-People-Eater and Timberwolves fan, watching every game that she could.  Her family has fond memories of watching with her Paris By Night, a Vietnamese musical variety show, and James Bond marathons.

Tu is survived by her husband, George; her children, Jacki-Phuong (Jeff) Maxon, Bich Thuy Callens, Jack (Heather) Callens, and Kim (Chris Erdrich) Callens; her grandchildren, Jacob Maxon, Zach (Christine) Maxon, Cory Maxon, Eloise Erdrich, Weston Erdrich, and Olivia Callens. She is also survived by her siblings, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung, Nguyen Van Sau, Nguyen Van Bay, Nguyen Thi Hiep, Nguyen Thanh Tong; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nguyen Van Khai and Lam Thi Nhi; and her brothers, Nguyen Van Hai and Nguyen Van Quoi.

Tu lives on forever in the hearts of her surviving family, friends, and future descendants.

Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. Her funeral is Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 P.M. (visitation at 11:00 A.M.) at North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003.