Somsak Saythongphet, 82, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family after a sudden and courageous battle with cancer. A funeral service will be 3:00 P.M. Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

He was born on September 5, 1943, in Kenethao, Laos, to Sode and Sone Saythongphet.

Somsak’s journey to the United States began as a foreign exchange student in Sac City, Iowa, where he was welcomed by the Wadsley family. After graduating from Sac City High School in 1963, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1968 and later a Master of Education degree from the University of Hawaii in 1972. During this time, he met his first wife, Viengtha Sinnorai Saythongphet, with whom he welcomed his first daughter, Ratsmay.

Following his studies, Somsak returned to Vientiane, Laos, where he served as Deputy Director of Fa Ngum Comprehensive High School. In 1975, amid political unrest and the rise of the communist regime, he was forced to flee his homeland in search of safety and opportunity for his family.

After returning to Iowa, Somsak dedicated his life to helping others rebuild theirs. Through his work with Governor Robert Ray’s Task Force for Indochinese Refugee Resettlement, he helped hundreds of Laotian refugees establish new lives in the United States. His work became a cornerstone of support for many immigrant families throughout Iowa.

Following the passing of his first wife from leukemia in 1978, Somsak married Maniseng Chounlamountry Saythongphet in 1979. Together, they built a life centered on family and welcomed three children: Manisone, Somsak II “Skip,” and Sid.

In 1984, Somsak left his role in state service to join IBP as a recruiter, where he continued his lifelong commitment to helping members of the Asian community find employment and create better opportunities for their families. During this period, he moved his family from Des Moines, Iowa, to South Sioux City, Nebraska, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.

After losing his second wife, Maniseng, to cancer in 2000, Somsak remained steadfast in caring for and supporting his family. He also became a trusted tax preparer within the Asian community, continuing to assist countless families well into retirement and throughout his own illness. In 2008, he married Deng Saythongphet, and together they shared many years of love and companionship.

Somsak was widely respected as a leader in the Lao community and was known for his generosity, wisdom, perseverance, and compassion. His guidance and kindness touched countless lives throughout Iowa and beyond.

Somsak was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected leader within the Lao community. He is survived by his four children: his daughters, Ratsmay Stepp and Manisone Saythongphet; his sons, Somsak II “Skip” Saythongphet and Sid Saythongphet; his grandsons, Ben Stepp and Miles Saythongphet; and his granddaughter, Faith Saythongphet. He is also survived by his wife, Deng Saythongphet, and his stepdaughters, Saysavanh “Nuni” Phongsavath and Sabaythip “King” Phongsavath.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bounma Vannavong (2001) and Thongsy Sisaengrath (2023); his first wife, Viengtha Sinnorai Saythongphet (1978); his second wife, Maniseng Chounlamountry Saythongphet (2000); and his granddaughter, Margaret Telia “Maggie” Stepp (2025).

Somsak’s legacy lives on through the family he loved deeply, the community he strengthened, and the many lives he uplifted through decades of service and compassion.