Phranom Philavanh

Phranom Philavanh, 69, of Des Moines, IA died unexpectedly on December 9, 2021. Phranom was born on April 29, 1952 in Vientiane, Laos and was the oldest of eight children to Khamphouang and Khamo Philavanh.

In 1972 he graduated from the Administration Officer School in Vientiane, Laos and pursued a career as a Treasurer for the Lao Royal Army in Pakse, Laos. During his tenure he was ranked as the First Lieutenant until after the fall of Laos to communism during the Vietnam War. In 1976 Phranom resettled with his family in Des Moines.

When he arrived in the U.S., he made it his mission to bring the rest of his family and friends over. This is where he was a Case Manager at the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Center. In this role he understood the adversities of being in a new country and he wanted to ensure all refugees in Iowa successfully transitioned into their new home. During that time, he built a special bond with the families he assisted and provided guidance as they navigated and adjusted to life in the U.S. His compassionate drive led him to go above and beyond his normal duties to ensure the families he assisted were on the right path. Most who met him considered him a confidant and they often sought advice from him.

Phranom cherished gatherings with family and friends, he loved to entertain and cook for them. He was known as an amazing chef and often shared his recipes with others. Those who tried to mimic his dishes would always say there was a secret ingredient missing, his special touch. His passion in cooking was fulfilled by opening a restaurant with his wife, The Laos Restaurant in East Village of Des Moines for 5 years. He was extremely proud of it and loved to introduce authentic Laotian cuisine to the community. Phranom was an avid fisherman and his favorite catch were crappies. He had a special dish that he would prepare called “goi pa” that many would find hard to duplicate. When his grandkids Peyton, Avaree and Elijah took a liking to fishing he was overwhelmed with joy to share the hobby with them.

Phranom was a deeply spiritual man and practiced Buddhism in his daily life. He enjoyed traveling and did everything with his beloved wife whom he had been married with for 52 years. They both looked forward to spending quality time together and trying out different restaurants in the area. Phranom had a great sense of humor and would joke around with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was always the "funny" uncle or grandpa to them. He particularly enjoyed watching football with his youngest grandson, Elijah. They had a ritual every Sunday and Monday night where they would take bets and tease each other.

In 1969 he married the love of his life and together they had four children. Phranom is survived by his wife, Manivanh; four children, Vong & Kim Philavanh of Ft. Collins, CO; Sone & JoAnne Philavanh of Grimes, IA; Deth & Shane Stalter of Westminster, CO; and Phone & Tougee Lo of Erie, CO. Ten grandchildren; Deon, Kaitlyn, Kiersten, Ally, Sophia, Kerrigan, Peyton, Jack, Avaree, and Elijah. He loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Hamilton's Funeral Home 605 Lyon St. Des Moines, IA 50309. The Buddhist Funeral will be on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Hamilton's Funeral Home 605 Lyon St. Des Moines, IA 50309 at 2:30 pm.

Thank you for sharing in the celebration of Phranom’s life. The entire Philavanh family appreciates your kindness and support.

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