Tay Nick Yang was born in a small town in Laos on September 5th, 1955. He was the second son to Jaixeng Yang and Ying Ly. He had an older brother Doua, older sister Neng, and younger sister Kae. Losing both his parents at a very young age, Tay was faced with a daunting childhood and little means to make a living. A couple years later, enlisting in the military seemed to be his only option. He worked hard and remained in service until he met his wife Pha whom he married soon after. From then on, Tay knew that he had to plan for a better future for his family.

The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 allowed Tay to petition and relocate to the United States, but by 1970, immigration from Asian countries had more than quadrupled. As a result, Tay took on the surname Sengkhammee. In 1976, his petition was granted, so he packed up with Pha and Kae, and made their way to America. Settling in San Diego, California, he began raising his 2nd generation children, Der, Jean, Steve, and Peter. Tay continued to make friendships, joined a soccer league called R.A.T.S. (Recreational Adult Team Soccer), and even took on the hobby of raising pet chickens.

Being multilingual and fluent in Hmong, Laotian, Thai, and English, Tay was sought after for his ability to compassionately serve those in need and quickly attained employment with a nonprofit organization which helped immigrants transition into the western workforce. His most notable career accomplishments will forever be in the field of helping others.

Tay was a hard working member of society, and citizenship was of the utmost importance to him. That dream came to life in 1988 when his sacrifices paid off, acquiring citizenship for his family.

Deciding to move to Green Bay Wisconsin in 1995 where most of his relatives reside, would subsequently bring a job opportunity as a translator and paraprofessional for the school district's special education department. Tay spent the next 21 years in this role until his retirement in 2017.

In his later years, Tay enjoyed gardening, tinkering, and whittling to make all sorts of trinkets like spinning tops, and spending time with his partner See Chang. And chickens! He always had a love for chickens!

Tay was a caring soul. He always knew the right words to say to make someone feel better. He had a sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.

Tay passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on July 3, 2023 at 1:50am. While we mourn our loved one, we also celebrate his life and the joy that he brought to all of us. He will be remembered as a servant who connected with all those around him, young and old.

Tay is preceded in death by his father Jaixeng Yang, mother Ying Ly, and brother Doua Yang.

He leaves behind his sister Neng (Tong) Chang, Kae (Zhong) Fang, ex-wife Pha Thao, two

daughters Der (Sua) Vang, Jean (Ken) Geason, two sons Steve (Suzanne) Yang, Peter (Heather) Yang; sixteen grandchildren: Erika (Steve), Amber, Alana, Andrew, Alyssa, Kathinh, Jolee, Karson, Lilah, Alex, Malachi, Ethan, Miles, Joshua, Cuyler, Aurora; five great grandchildren: Alehna, Elijah, Karter, Owen, Kayden; his beloved nieces and nephews; and his partner See Chang.

Please join us on Sunday July 23rd from 9:00am to 4:00pm at John J Buettgen Memorial Chapel located at 900 Old Hwy 51, Mosinee, WI 54455 to celebrate our father Tay Nick Yang.

He will be laid to rest on Monday July 24th at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mosinee.