Sokha SamAng Kong

Sokha SamAng Kong, 57, passed away peacefully at home March 16, 2025. He was taken from this life too soon. Sokha, the son of SamAng Orr Kong and Sady Nuon Kong was born May 1,1967, in Krong Pursat, Cambodia. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and went to Grandview College for 2 years.

Sokha came with his family to the United States in June of 1979, fleeing the war and the youth work camps in Cambodia. As a refugee, he was extremely proud of his American citizenship in his adopted home.

Sokha married Chhoum Chea-Kong on July 29, 1994. They resided in Des Moines their entire married life of 30 years and raised two children; Kevin and Alvin.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Chhoum; his son, Alvin; his mother Sady; his brother Andy; sister Devi Kong Lundquist; brother-in-law Jeff Lundquist; nephew Jefferson Raksmei Lundquist; niece Sonja Lundquist; sister-in-law Sophear Chea; her husband Quentin Rumph; and mother-in-law Chhoeuth Chhan; along with his two beloved cats. He leaves many other relatives and friends, including the Beauchamp family, the Lewellen family, and the other members of the Indianola Heights Christian Church families that made it possible for him and his family to come to America.

Sokha is preceded in death by his father SamAng Orr Kong, brothers Sokun and Sokthor Kong, son Kevin Chrisna Kong and his precious cat Angel.

Sokha’s stubborn nature helped him to survive the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. When separated from his family and sent to the youth work camps, his determination helped him to escape and find his family in the devastated country when he was only 10 years old.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. Those who knew Sokha will remember him for his overwhelming laughter and his infectious smile. To us, Sokha was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and uncle; and that was always enough. But that doesn’t even come close to explaining who he was.

Sokha was a hard-working laser cutting operator, basketball player, track runner, soccer player, fisherman, nickname giver, sports enthusiast, Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs super-fan, and a BBQ beef stick grill master. He loved spending time with his family, friends, his cats, his Cambodian culture, and listening to his Cambodian music.

Although Sokha is gone, he will live in our hearts forever.

Family will greet guests on Sunday, March 23, 2025 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Following visitation there will be a ceremony at 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Sokha.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hailtonsfuneralhome.com

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