Tan Nhu Pham
April 6, 1941 — April 19, 2025
In Loving Memory of Tan Nhu Pham 1941 – 2025
Tan Nhu Pham, 84, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family and the steady presence of love. A man of profound faith, quiet humility, and unshakable courage, Tan's life was one of devotion—to God, to his family, and to the countless lives he touched through sacrifice and service.
Born on April 6, 1941, in Nhu Tan, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, to Mau Thi Dinh and Tuyen Van Pham, Tan answered God’s call at an early age, spending 13 years in the seminary and in missionary work. His days were devoted to prayer, study, and serving others. When illness forced him to leave the seminary, he did not waver in his faith. Instead, he saw it as divine redirection—a new path through which he could still serve, this time as an educator and community leader.
Tan became a dedicated mathematics teacher and, at a remarkably young age, was appointed principal of his local high school. Known for his integrity, discipline, and fairness, he was soon elected Mayor of his town, Gia Kiem. He married the love of his life, Hoa Bui, on December 31, 1967. Together, they started their family and ran a small bookstore and quietly supported underprivileged students, never seeking recognition—only impact.
During the Vietnam War, Tan worked tirelessly to protect his family and community from the Communists. He served as a soldier and fondly recalled convincing the U.S. Navy Seabees to pave the main road in his town. In 1975, Tan was one of the last people to escape from his town and reached Saigon as American forces were withdrawing. After the Vietnam War, Tan risked everything for the ones he loved. He made seven harrowing attempts to escape Vietnam with his family, each failure met not with despair, but with deeper resolve.
At last, in April of 1982, Tan was able to escape with his wife and children on a 4x11 meter boat that was crammed with 108 people but no captain. After two days underway in the South China Sea, the small boat was raided by Thai pirates. The pirates robbed the refugees of the few valuables that were onboard and left the boat adrift. In the following eight days, the boat was attacked by two additional pirate ships. By the grace of God, they were finally towed to safety in Pulau Bidong, Malaysia and were nursed back to health at a Malaysian refugee camp. From there, they were sent to the Philippine Refugee Processing Center in Morong, Bataan, Philippines where Tan aided his fellow refugees as an English translator.
In December of 1982, Tan finally arrived in the United States with his wife, five children, and just $20 in hand. Initially settling in Austin, MN, it was here that they adjusted to their new homeland and welcomed the birth of their youngest daughter.
In 1984, Tan and his family moved to Eau Claire, WI where he studied at night to earn a degree in electrical engineering from the Chippewa Valley Technical College. He also taught math courses to Vietnamese and Hmong immigrants at CVTC. To earn additional money, Tan and his family found numerous jobs to support themselves. Tan and his wife took humble jobs such as picking cucumbers, cleaning schools and offices, and even shoveling snow.
In 1988, with immense pride, Tan and his entire family earned their American citizenship.
Later that year, Tan purchased Egg Roll Express in Chippewa Falls, WI, and sold it in 1991 to open his own successful Chinese restaurant called Hunan King, which was located in the London Square Mall in Eau Claire, WI. Tan especially enjoyed these years working alongside his wife and teaching each of his children how to run a successful business and the importance of a good work ethic.
Following the closure of London Square Mall in 2001, Tan opened several nail salons throughout Wisconsin, including Model Nails I and II in Oakwood Mall, which he ran for many years with his business partner.
Tan was a man of quiet but profound sacrifice. He set aside his own comfort, dreams, and rest to build a better future for his children and grandchildren. Tan took immense pride in the success and accomplishments of his children and greatly enjoyed the laughter and companionship of his many grandchildren.
Tan is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bao Van Pham and Quang Van Pham, and his eldest son, Long Nhu Pham.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Hoa Bui; his six children, Huong Truong, Tien (Duyen) Pham, Thanh Pham, Thinh (Irene) Pham, Hong (Adrian) Allen, and Hang (Philip) Noland; fifteen grandchildren, Ariel (Sebastian), Andrew, Annie, Phuong Vy, Ethan, Aidan, Adam, Alan, Charlotte, Felicity, Gavin, Lily, Olivia, William, and Jack; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Colin, and Gabriel.
Tan was a devout Catholic and longtime member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – St. Patrick Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI. He was also an avid supporter of Regis Catholic Schools and Marquette University. Tan also took great enjoyment in attending the annual, weeklong Marian Days Pilgrimage in Carthage, MO.
Tan Nhu Pham lived a life of purpose and prayer. He is remembered as a man of many trades; a teacher, a principal, a soldier, a Mayor, an engineer, a business owner, a servant of God, and above all a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He gave all he had, and then more, so that those he loved could have everything they needed. He was, and always will be, our hero.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Apr 25, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM (prayer service at 6:00 PM) at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 7963 S 116th St, Franklin, WI 53132. A full Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, Apr 26 at 9:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 8:00 AM until the start of Mass at St. Martin of Tours. Burial will take place at St Martin of Tours Cemetery after Mass with a luncheon to follow.
- CÁO PHÓ
- Trong niềm tin vào Chúa Kitô tử nạn và Phục Sinh,
- gia đình chúng tôi xin kính báo
- Ông Cố Giuse Phạm Như Tân
- Sinh ngày 6 tháng 4 năm 1941
- Tại Như Tân, Ninh Bình, Việt Nam
- sinh sống tại Eau Claire, WI
- Đã được Chúa gọi về vào lúc 7:48 giờ sáng
- ngày 19 tháng 4 năm 2025
- Tại Eau Claire, WI
- Hưởng thọ 84 tuổi
- Nghi Thức Thăm Viếng và Cầu Nguyện
- Vào lúc 5 đến 9 giờ chiều Thứ Sáu, ngày 25 tháng 4 năm 2025 tại nhà thờ
- St. Martin of Tours
- 7963 S 116th St
- Franklin, WI 53132
- 5PM – 6PM: Nghi thức phát tang
- 6PM – 7PM: Đọc kinh và cầu nguyện
- 7PM – 9PM: Thăm viếng
- Thánh Lễ An Táng
- Vào lúc 9 giờ sáng Thứ Bảy, ngày 26 tháng 4 năm 2025
- St. Martin of Tours
- 7963 S 116th St
- Franklin, WI 53132
- Sau Thánh Lễ, linh cữu sẽ được an táng tại nghĩa trang nhà thờ St. Martin of Tours.
- Tang Gia Đồng Kính Báo
- Vợ: Bà Bùi Thị Hoa
- Trưởng Nữ: Phạm Thị Tuyết Hương, chồng và các con
- Trưởng Nam: Phạm Như Tiến, vợ và các con
- Thứ Nam: Phạm Như Thành, vợ và các con
- Thứ Nam: Phạm Như Thịnh, vợ và các con
- Thứ Nữ: Phạm Thị Tuyết Hồng, chồng và các con
- Út Nữ: Phạm Thị Tuyết Hằng, chồng và các con
- XIN CHO PHÉP GIA ĐÌNH KHÔNG NHẬN PHÚNG ĐIẾU
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