Doan Vu Nguyen July 3, 1947-October 27, 2019

Doan Vu Nguyen, 72 of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on October 27, 2019 at 11:28 pm CDT at West Allis Memorial Hospital. His funeral service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at St. Martin of Tours in Franklin, Wisconsin. Mass will be at 9:00 AM followed by visitation at 10:00 AM.

Doan was born to late parents, Luan and Ha Nguyen, on July 3, 1947 in Hai Hau, Hai Thinh, Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dao and his seven children: Dung, Duc (Janine), Duyen (Darren), Danh, Chanh, Ngoc and Jean (Anthony). Doan will also be fondly remembered by his ten grandchildren, one great grandchild, and eight siblings: Lieu, The, Dau, Luot, Tuy, Tuynh, Hue and Hoa.

Drafted at an early age to join the Navy, he acquired the skills to build a boat to flee Vietnam to give his family a better life in America. He will be remembered as a selfless husband and father who always had a smile, even when times were tough. He had a quiet strength, was slow to anger, and always worked hard — never bemoaning life, always accepting things as they were and enjoying the moment. He gave so much more than he received. He always looked to a better future. He was a tremendous gardener and a master of all trades. He had a strong work ethic. There was nothing he couldn’t do, nothing he couldn’t fix. He enjoyed weekend gatherings with family and friends where there was always karaoke, and an abundance of homemade Vietnamese food. He was generous to a fault, had a big heart, and was compassionate by nature. Doan was ever calm and serene in his Catholic faith. From his childhood forward, he had a special place in his heart for Jesus Christ. He was always concerned about the well being and happiness of others, constantly helping the poor and the church in Vietnam. A philanthropic man, he found joy in knowing others were thriving. His character and temperament were best shown through his love for his wife and children.