Doi Lem

Doi Lem, age 86, of Des Moines, Iowa peacefully passed away Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Doi Lem was born on May 8th,1935 in Son La, North Vietnam in the Tai Dam country. He was the second son of five boys to Heup and Theung Lem. At 16 years old, he joined the French Army as part of the French medic infantry. Due to political change to communism, Doi and his family relocated to be closer to relatives in Hanoi, North Vietnam. Doi later moved to Elay Village then to Song Khoa Village, Laos where he met the love of his life, Ueui. Doi and Ueui, along with Ueui’s family, later moved to Na Hai Deo in Vientiane, Laos where Doi was employed in telecommunications for the United States military compound in Laos. They later moved to Hongxeng, Laos. Doi and Ueui had eight children.

Due to ongoing war conflicts, Doi and his family migrated across the Mekong River to the Province of Nong Kai, Thailand to a Tai Dam refugee camp, Neun Pra Naou. Although they were safe in the camps, for the well-being of the family, Doi decided to immigrate to the United States to Des Moines, Iowa in 1976. He started life in the United States working in carpentry and furniture upholstery. In 1988, he decided to relocate the family to paradise in Laie, Hawaii to pursue agriculture. In 1990, they returned to Des Moines, Iowa and spent his years in retirement enjoying family gatherings and gardening. Doi and his family remained here in Des Moines, Iowa where he lived a full and colorful life and enjoyed every moment with laughter no matter what. He was known for his infectious laughter and silly antics while always having been a hard worker in life.

Doi was survived by his wife Ueui and 8 children (4 sons and 4 daughters), Vieng Lem (Sing), Nhong Vang (Binh), Phai Vang (Khong), Fay Lovan, Pheune Lem, Alec Lem, Allison La Tanchinh (Kraig Phillips), Anousack Lem (Mya), 18 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

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