Nhia Cha Yang

(From McQueen Funeral Home)

Nhia Cha Yang, who resided in Purdy, Missouri tragically passed away on September 20, 2026.

He was born on April 5, 1964 in Pou Xong, Laos to the beloved Chong Xang Yang and wife Mee Xiong Yang.

In 1974 to 1975, at just 10 years old, he bravely served as a Sergeant and fought alongside the U.S. during the Vietnam War. His specialty was in the Territorial Forces (ADC) in the Special Guerrilla Unit to aid and defend against communist forces. 

In 1976, after his efforts in the war, he would later be sponsored to come to the United States as a refugee in part of a relief agency and resettle in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. In 1985, he graduated proudly from Fitchburg High School with his favorite curriculums being Science, English and Art. Speaking of Art, Nhia was a man of many talents who loved to sing, dance and make people laugh. He was a great musician who played a variety of different instruments; his favorite one of all is the Qeej, which is a traditional Hmong wind-pipe instrument. He was a very committed person to his culture and his community. He never thought twice about lending a helping hand in various times of need. He was most commonly known to his community as a “Txiv Qeej”, a Qeej Master. He was recognized by many due to his involvement in playing a special role during hmong funerals. Using the Qeej, he performed sacred ballads to help guide the dead to their motherland and into the spirit world. Now let this be his turn to be celebrated, appreciated and safely guided on his new path. Please join us and our family as we gather in remembrance to our beloved father Nhia Cha Yang. May he rest in peace.

He is survived by his former spouses (Nws tso tseg tus niam loj thiab tus niam yau ua tau nrauj lawm) First former spouse (Niam Loj) Ia Yang & the Second former spouse (Niam Yau) Houa Xiong; His sons and their spouses (Nws tso tseg nws cov tub thiab nyab) - Soua & wife Ariel Yang, Kou & wife Melissa Yang, Kee & wife Bianca Zuno Yang, Yeng Kong and Yeng Houa. His daughters and their spouses (Nws cov ntxhais thiab vauv) - See & husband Robert Gaines, Mai Kao & husband Shur Moua, Mona, Lily and Yulia and all of his 17 grandchildren.

Along with his brothers and their spouses (Nws tso tseg nws cov kwv tij thiab lawv cov poj niam): Lee Lue Yang & wife Shong Vue Yang, Va Cheng Yang & wife Soua Vang Yang, Sai Kao Yang & wife Yee Lee Yang, Ntxoo Muas Yang & wife Kab Yeej Muas Yang, Fai Thong Yang & wife Paj Nyiag Vue Yang, Paj Tsu Yang & wife Soua Vang Yang, Neng Chue Yang & wife Ashley Khang Yang, Vaj Thai Yang & wife Npaub Vang Yang. His brother-in-law: (Tus yawm yij) Chong Nab Xiong, widower to the late sister Quam Yang Xiong. His sisters and their spouses (Nws cov muam thiab lawv cov txiv): Paj Yang Thao, Xao Thao & husband Neej Tshiab Thao. His sister-in-law (Tus niam ntxawm): Sia Yang, widow to the late Txam Yang.

He was preceded in death (Cos xiam ua ntej) by his father (nws txiv) Chong Xang Yang & mother (nws niam) Mee Xiong Yang, his younger brother (tus kwv) Txam Yang, his brother-in-law (Yawm yij) Shoua Pao Thao, husband to the surviving sister Paj Yang Thao. His sisters and their spouses (Cov muam thiab yawm yij), Ntxhais Yang Vang & husband Nyiaj Her Vang, Qawm Yang Xiong.

Services will be held from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. Saturday, October 10, 2026 and from 8:00 A.M. Sunday, October 11, 2026 until 9:00 A.M. Monday, October 12, 2026 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Burial with military honors will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 12, 2026. Cemetery to be announced.