Edward Phiakhamta

Edward Yommana Phiakhamta, age 69, of Storm Lake, Iowa surrounded by loved ones peacefully passed away on February 22, 2023. Funeral services will take place Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place Friday, February 24, 2023 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Edward, affectionately known as Ed or Na by his loved ones, was born on May 23, 1953, to Kham and Eth Phiakhamta in Keng Sadok, Laos. Ed, as far as the public knew, was a teacher for twelve years before immigrating to the United States in 1986. He volunteered to teach in a remote village with limited access to resources, including education, because of his desire to help people. Ed was elected as the Mayor of the village and met his first wife, Annie Phongsavanh, with whom he married in June, 1975. Together, they had six children. Ed later remarried Joy Saengchan in January 2003 and had two children together. Prior to his teaching and Mayoral career, Ed served as the Second Lieutenant officer in the Royal Lao Army and in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1975. During his active duty in the US Army, Ed played a pivotal role in coordinating military operations, intelligence collection, and rescue operations of US military personnel and prisoners of war (POW). He enlisted in the US Army to fight for democracy, freedom and to halt the spread of communism. After the war, Edward continued to serve with the U.S. Army as a Counterintelligence Agent while operating in the guise of a teacher. However, in 1983, Ed was captured in by the communist military and imprisoned for over two years. He underwent severe imprisonment treatment and torture. Following his release, Ed made the difficult decision to leave everything he had and known and relocated his family to Thailand with only the clothes on their backs. Finally in 1986, Ed and his family finally immigrated to Algona, Iowa and then to Storm Lake, Iowa in 1987. In May 1997, Ed was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army during a ceremony in Washington DC that honored Laotian veterans of the US "Secret Army" during the Vietnam War. Ed is survived by his children Dara, Phet, Joe, Keo, Teresa, and Cathy from his first marriage, his current wife Joy Saengchan, and their two children, Serine and Tylon. He is also survived by his brother Jeremy, Khing, Ling Phiakhamta, sister Moyen Keophanya, as well as thirteen grandchildren and two great grandkids. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Kham and Eth Phiakhamta, brothers Chainit and Tanh Phiakhamta and sisters: Bouaraphanh Syharath, Thom Phiakhamta, and Hom Phiakhamta. Besides his love for family, Ed enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with friends and family. Hunting and fishing brought him the most joy and provided him with mental and spiritual healing. Additionally, he spent his time doing yard work and improving his home. Ed served as a President of the Lao Community to help with immigrated families that settled in the community and worked with other leaders and organizations to advocate for human rights and democracy in Laos. Being a father was his favorite role, and he loved nothing more than being with his children. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Instead of donating flowers, Ed requested that donations be made to the Legacies of War organization or any Veteran organization of choice to ensure that veterans receive adequate care and help. Legacies of War is an educational and advocacy organization that works to help with the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries and to help those impacted by UXO. A list of some organizations is provided below. Legacies of War Vietnam Veterans of America Pickup Please K9s for Warriors Semper Fi & America’s Fund The Fisher House Foundation Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) Wounded Warriors Family Support Hope of the Warriors Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Disabled American Veterans Charity Wounded Warrior Project

Edward Phiakhamta

May 23, 1953 - February 22, 2023