Phou Opboune, age 81, of Wausau, passed away Monday morning, March 4, 2019, at her residence. She was born and raised in Laos, a daughter of the late Choum and Bouapha Thammabonvong, the second oldest of 11 children. In the 1970's Phou, along with her husband and children, fled from the Vietnam War in Laos to safety in Thailand where they stayed in a refugee camp. After a few years in Thailand they traveled to America for a better life. They lived in Chicago, IL where Phou worked as a manager on a ginseng farm. They eventually moved to Wausau, WI where Phou spent her final years living with her loving daughter Phetdara and her family. S he enjoyed cooking, gardening, going to the casino and spending time with her children, grandchildren and many great friends. Survivors include a son, Raymond Tavart and his wife Kanlagna Tavart of Paris France; and daughter Phetdara "Patty" Pahl of Wausau and her partner You Chandavong along with 5 grandchildren: Becky and Tom Tavart (Raymond); Ciara Charnowski and Tiara Chandavong (Phetdara); Kimmie Thammabonvong (Sourivong) and one great-grandson, Max Charnowski (Phetdara). She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her. Phou was preceded in death by her husband, Naheune Opboune; two sons, Sourivong Thammabonvong and Phimmanou Opboune; three brothers, and two sisters. Services will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 948 Grand Ave, Schofield WI. Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 with service at 1:00. Online condolences can be expressed at www.Honorone.com