Fong Hang

Fong Hang, age 52, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026 after a valiant fight against a rare lung condition.  He was surrounded by family.

Fong was born in Vientiane, Laos on July 6, 1973 to Major Victor Pang Doua Hang and Houm (Chanthavong) Hang.  He was the 9th of 11 children. In October 1976, his family immigrated to Hurst, Texas, lovingly sponsored by Shady Oaks Baptist Church. Fong joined his parents in moving to Manitowoc, Wisconsin in 1988, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1991.

Fong began working for the Manitowoc Public School District in 1995. He started his career as an educational assistant in the English as a Second Language department and later moved into the role of Hmong language interpreter. He mentored countless students and served as a cultural bridge between school and home. Coworkers and families relied on his heart and compassion just as much as his skill. His infectious smile will be missed in the hallways of each Manitowoc public school building.

Outside of work, Fong served on multiple boards and focus groups to foster understanding of Hmong culture in the Manitowoc community. He spent time enjoying soccer, golf, travel, coaching, sitting down at the poker table and manning the grill. Family meals will never be the same without Uncle Fong’s signature dishes to share.  Of course, he also loved singing on stage with his closest friends, where his notable GQ style was on full display. 

To know Fong was to know the importance of family. He was the glue that held everyone together. He was like a second father to the children of his 4 sisters, Kia, Choua, Mai and Yeu and 4 brothers, NeejVaaj, Xang, Kou and Blong.  After 13 years of practice, he mastered the phrase, “Yes, dear” whenever his wife, Vickie, came up with the next adventure. He never once complained about wearing matching floral shirts at the annual Lawrence family vacation as he knew it made the family happy. However, the definition of “family man” changed greatly when Fong became a father. Time with his children was always a priority, often skipping out on outings with friends to spend a day at the beach or the park, always an ever-present father for Elsie and Jacob.

Fong’s positive attitude, strength and determination were an inspiration to his entire medical team.  His family is forever indebted to the care he received in the CVICU unit at Froedtert Hospital and to the donor who gave him a second chance at life through organ donation.

Fong was preceded in death by his father, Major Victor Pang Doua Hang; brother, Kou Alex Hang; and brother-in-law, NyiaLong Yang.  He is survived by his wife, Vickie (Lawrence) Hang; children, Elsie (12) and Jacob (10); mother, Houm Hang; father- and mother-in-law, Bob and Deanna Lawrence; 7 siblings; 5 brothers-in law; 5 sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 27th from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m at the Lakeshore Life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Boulevard in Manitowoc.  A visitation will be held from 9-11am on Monday, June 29th at Fong’s home church, Lakeshore United Methodist Church at 411 Reed Avenue in Manitowoc.  A service will follow at 11am.  Fong will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery, close to his father.

The family requests that all who loved Fong consider blood, plasma and organ donation in his memory. Fong would also want everyone to remember:  “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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