Nancy K. Wong

Nancy K. Wong, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at her home in Maple Grove. Born near Taishan City, Guangdong Province, China, Nancy immigrated to the United States in 1950. She attended high school and post-graduate trade school in Minneapolis. She married her beloved partner in life, John Wong, in 1960, and they moved to Fridley in October 1964 where they raised their family of four children.

Nancy was a gifted gardener, and she transformed her backyard into a flourishing vegetable garden. Later in life, she enjoyed growing orchids, which she jokingly called “my babies,” and had beautiful flowers in her home.

Nancy was also a wonderful cook, and she prepared delicious stir-frys and other Cantonese dishes for her family. Her biggest hit, surprisingly, was a simple treat called “noong,” which is salted crispy rice cooked from the leftover rice on the bottom of the pot. After Nancy’s children shared noong with the neighborhood kids, they would stop by and clamor for a bite after dinner each evening. In the land of hotdish and mashed potatoes, Nancy took pleasure in sharing Chinese vegetables from her garden and dishes from her kitchen with the neighbors.

In the early 1990s, Nancy and John relocated to San Francisco, where she provided loving care to her father until his passing in 2013. Becoming a grandmother was one of the great joys of her life, and she enjoyed spoiling her seven grandchildren. Nancy and John cherished visits from their children and grandchildren, taking them sightseeing and plying them with buns, dumplings, and all the other food that San Francisco is famous for.

In 2015, Nancy and John returned to the Twin Cities, where they settled in Maple Grove to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They found comfort and friendship within the Silver Creek community and continued to share a life surrounded by friends and family.

Nancy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generosity, and the care that she gave to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know Nancy.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Show C. and Bow Gee Kong. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John; her dear children Lyle Wong (wife Laurie), Liane Wong, Kimberly Oleson (fiancé Dr. Peter Karpawich), and Brian Wong (wife Rebecca); her beloved grandchildren Samantha Wong (husband Louie Fisher), Steven Oleson (wife Aitana Felgueroso), Mitchell Oleson (fiancée Tammy McCulloch), Alex Wong, Owen Wong, Anna Wong, and Emily Wong; and many friends and relatives.

Funeral service March 31, 2025, at 11:30 am at Evans Nordby, 34 Second Street NE, Osseo, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Private committal and internment at Fort Snelling. Memorials preferred to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.