Lai Van Nguyen

Lai Van Nguyen of Mankato was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 01, 2020 at the age of 90. He was born December 28, 1929 in Ha Nam, Vietnam, and married Khuou on October 6, 1948. Soon after, Lai served in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam for 25 years as the warrant officer in charge of military supplies and ammunition. When the army was dissolved in 1975, Lai settled into farming and made a home with his family in Bau Lam. He and Khuou immigrated to the US in 1993 and gradually were reunited with all their children.

Lai loved outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, and gardening. He enjoyed making photo collages and would artfully display all the Christmas cards they received every year. Lai was admired for being cleverly resourceful by inventing handy contraptions out of everyday items. His favorite pastime involved spending quality time with his loved ones.

Lai is survived by his wife of 71 years, Khuou, as well his eight children, Bich, Minh (Dung), Tony (Yen), An (Chinh), Liem (Huong), Thanh (Tram), Lieu (Bill), and Cac (Lan). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Anh, Mary, Lisa (Binh), Thien (Oanh), Hien, Gia, Van, Trinh, Khanh, Michael, Edward, John, Justin, Amber, and Alex, as well as 4 great-grandchildren, Han, Long, Lam, and Thien.

Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, July 9 at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001. 

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on Friday, July 10, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 105 N 5th St, Mankato, MN 56001 with visitation starting at 9:45am.

All are welcome to attend both the visitation and the funeral mass. Wearing a face mask is strongly encouraged. Please refrain from attending if you feel unwell.

Instead of monetary gifts, the family requests that donations in memory of Lai be made to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.