Keo Theppanya

Our father, Keo Theppanya, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 22, 2025. He passed away surrounded by his family and friends. 

Keo Theppanya, was born on October 10, 1952 to his mother Tong and father, Gong Theppanya, in Muang Nguen, Laos. He was ambitious at a very young age and stayed motivated to create a legacy for himself and his family. Our father joined the monastery and ranked as a high monk in the monastery. After leaving the monastery, he joined the military. He fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam war. During this time, Keo met and married his wife, Tane. They later had 2 daughters who preceded him in death. Our father was determined to build a better future for his wife and children. He left his war torn country of Laos and fled to Thailand where he stayed in the refugee camps. During this time, our parents welcomed 2 daughters, Phanh Theppanya and Phonemany Theppanya. The family relocated to Des Moines, Iowa in 1987. Keo and Tane welcomed 2 additional daughters, Matha Duong and Lothana Theppanya, during their over 30 years of resettling in America. 

Our father, Keo, is known for his hardworking skills, big heart, generosity, kindness, and fun-loving spirit. Anyone who has met him was always welcomed with a warm smile and a hearty handshake. He loved the outdoors. He loved fishing, deer hunting, and gardening. He was a friend to everyone who came into his life. Our father loved to make everyone smile and laugh. At family gatherings, he was the life of the party. He could be found dancing, joking, laughing and singing while holding his favorite beer and a shot of Hennessy. 

Keo Theppanya is survived by his wife, Tane Theppanya, children: Phanh Theppanya (Leuthvilay Detaksone), Phonemany Theppanya, Matha Duong (Justin Duong), Lothana Theppanya (Huy Tommy Tran), his sister, Khankham Champaban, brother, Saeng Theppanya (Baykham Theppanya), several nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren, 16 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tong and Gong Theppanya, and his daughters, Lang and Keau. 

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