Vinh Nguyen

Vinh Nguyen, age 83, of Rochester, Minnesota, transcended from this mortal realm on April 27, 2024. He left behind unlimited amounts of to-go containers, napkins, gas station coffee cups, and a multitude of random condiment packets that one would suspect he was prepared to open his own restaurant.

Vinh is survived by children Sue Phuong (Joe), Thang (Sarah), Ngoc (Kris), Huy, and Phat and grandchildren: Nha Ai Ashley, Maiah, Marcus, Alexa, Sean, Tyler, Rocco, Max, Bianca, Mason, Nicholas, Madeline, Kylie, Brianna, and Lily, brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Vinh was preceded in death by his wife, Lan and son, Bao, brothers and a sister.

Vinh was born on April 18, 1941 in Can Tho, Vietnam to parents Nguyen Van No and Nguyen Thi Tam. He was one of nine children.  Vinh was brought up to follow the traditional ways of Vietnamese culture and valued family above all else.  He met the love of his life, Lan, in the Fall of 1965 and they were married by December 25. Vinh worked as a Vietnamese interpreter for the U.S. Embassy during the Vietnam War. In 1978, he made the ultimate sacrifice to flee his beloved country and seek the American dream. Ultimately, Vinh and his family ended up in Rochester where he always worked three jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a paper carrier for the Post Bulletin, a “master” cheese slicer at Pace Dairy, and a grocery store owner of Pacific Oriental Foods and Saigon Far East. Vinh sacrificed his personal time with his family so that there would be food on the table. Once Lan got sick, he dedicated his time to care for her. It is a known fact that Lan’s life was extended because of the love that her husband provided for her.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards and slots at Treasure Island and watching action movies like Die Hard and John Wick. He studied the Buddhist religion and was skilled at prayer chants. Through heartbreak after heartbreak, he remained a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. His voice was often loud when he spoke and if you did not know him, you may have thought he was angry, but that is just how some Vietnamese talk. Away from his children’s earshot, Vinh would speak proudly of his children’s accomplishments.  Vinh’s ideal day would be spent eating Vietnamese cuisine, watching the Vikings play, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Vinh’s passing was sudden and his family is dealing with the shock and heartbreak. Vinh’s grief over the lost of his wife was too much for his mind and body to handle and he is now reunited with her.

Family and friends are welcome to attend funeral services which will be held at Rochester Cremation Services, 1605 Civic Center Dr, NW, Rochester, Minnesota on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Visitation is from 10:00 – 11:00am. The service including monk prayer chant will begin at 11:00am. The cremation is to follow.

Rochester Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Memories and condolences of Vinh may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com