1923
2013
After having been hospitalized recently with long-time pulmonary problems, Danny Hong, 90, died at home Oct. 8, 2013.
Danny was born in Taishan, China, and received his early education in a Chinese school in his village. Danny was the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. After his father died, Danny emigrated at age 13 to the United States, settling in Chicago with an uncle where Danny was home schooled by some German neighbors.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in January, 1943, Danny served in the Pacific theater (Southern Philippines) during WW II as a PFC, earning a Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar and the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award. As the smallest soldier, 5'4 1/2", in his unit, the others called him "Junior" and watched out for him. During his final engagement with the enemy, Danny and two soldiers from Oklahoma were the only ones to survive. Wounded, Danny received the Bronze Star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, a World War II Victory Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II, according to the National Personnel Records Center. Danny was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans.
Danny was sent to Van Nuys, CA, to recuperate. Although he did not like to talk about his war experiences, he loved to watch war movies, especially Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan, as well as factual PBS films. Later he added martial arts movies to his preferences.
Danny met his wife-to-be Rose Seid at her brother's house in San Francisco. Rose was teaching school in Hayward, CA, but came often to visit her brother. Rose had a difficult time understanding Danny's broken English. On a date to Fisherman's Wharf, she finally said, "Just speak to me in Chinese!" They were married in 1960 in Portland, OR, Rose's home town. They had three daughters: Jeanne, Bonnie and Janice.
After coming to Idaho Falls, Danny worked in restaurants before owning two: The Lantern in Idaho Falls and The Lotus Garden in Pocatello. In addition to cooking at his restaurants, Danny had his own kitchen in the basement of the family home where he concocted many sumptuous meals for friends. After making his home in Idaho, Danny brought his mother, four brothers and youngest sister to America, where they chose to live in Boston, MA.
In addition to cooking, Danny's passion was fishing--anywhere, anytime. He especially enjoyed this after retirement and, unlike some fishermen, he loved eating his catch.
Danny is survived by his wife Rose, daughters Bonnie of Idaho Falls and Janice of Thousand Oaks, CA, and one sister of Boston, as well as four sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister and his daughter Jeanne.
Danny was a social person who enjoyed people; he had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease.
In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of Life will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013, at the Hotel On The Falls Restaurant and Convention Center, 475 River Parkway in Idaho Falls. Veterans Rites will be held at 3:00 p.m. under the direction of the Bonneville Veterans Team. Friends and acquaintances are invited to come and share remembrances of Danny. In lieu of flowers the famil suggest donations be given to the Easy Breathers Club, 3100 Channing Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. Services are under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 28, 2013
Linda Hong Dennis
I spoke to Uncle Danny in Aug and Sept, he was so funny on the phone! We will miss him dearly.
October 25, 2013
Jeannette
I just received the saddest news last night about my Uncle's passing. I will miss him dearly. He was a loving husband, father and a wonderful uncle. I love you ?? (Uncle Danny). Rest in peace, we will all meet again soon.
October 25, 2013
William Hong
I just received the sad news about Uncle </3. We are all really sorry for his loss.
October 24, 2013
Andrew
We just received the sad news that Uncle Danny passed away. He was the patriarch of our families. Our families looked up to him, especially my father who passed away in March. My father's passing devastated Uncle Danny. They were very close and spoke to each other quite often, though they were almost 3,000 miles apart. Now, all the brothers (our uncles) and our grandparents are together once again. We knew Uncle Danny as a WWII hero who served his country with honor and distinction. He was also the strength and wisdom of the Hong Clan. He will be eternally missed with all our love. Without Uncle Danny, there wouldn't be us. Like his numerous nieces and nephews, I will be forever grateful to my Uncle. I love you Uncle Danny, may you Rest in Peace. Your only Spud nephew,
October 24, 2013
Stacy Ransom
Janice, Sorry to hear of your father's death. He lived a wonderful life - he was so brave. Nice obituary. My thoughts are with you.
October 22, 2013
Ursula & Kevin
Dear Janice, I am so sorry for you loss. What an amazing life your father had, and how lucky he was to share it with you girls and your mother. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. We send you lots of love.
October 21, 2013
Vicki
Rose and Janice
We are so sorry for your loss of your husband/father. May God comfort you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vicki Al,and Bernice
October 20, 2013
Mary Adamic
Rose, Bonnie and Janice,
You are in my prayers. I'm very sorry for your loss.
October 18, 2013
marie Hansen
Bonnie and Rose, so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know him but have seen you both many times at the dentist office. I miss seeing you both and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Marie Hansen(Idaho Falls)
October 18, 2013
Joe Hill
Just take comfort in knowing he is in a good place.
October 17, 2013
Kimberly Boyd
Dear Bonnie,
I'm so sorry to read of your father's passing. We knew him from the restaurant here in town, such a gracious host! We are proud of his military service, and hope fond memories sustain you and your family through this difficult time.
Kimberly Boyd
October 17, 2013
Cathy Juarez
Bonnie and Rose,
I am so sorry to see that Danny has passed. He was a wonderful person that made everyone feel good with his stories and kindness. I will never forget the dinner he made for my mom when she came for a visit and how welcome your family made her feel.
Cherish the memories and know you will be watched over by a very caring and loving person. He was a great dad to you Bonnie and I know you loved him very, very much.
May God comfort and keep you
October 16, 2013
Stella McKirdy
Dear Rose, Bonnie, and Janice, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Danny was a great man and everyone who knew him was better off for it. His legacy of love and service will live on in the lives of those he touched. We still remember all the great fish stories he shared with us. We believe the world is a better place for having him in it and we are all blessed to have been able to share his life's journey with us. May he rest in peace.
Much Love,
Stella, Nico, & Maya
October 16, 2013
Jane Freund
Rose, Bonnie and Janice
So very sorry for your loss. Please know that I am keeping you and yours in my prayers and thoughts.
Love
Jane
October 16, 2013
Mr. Hong always had a way of putting a smile on my face...I will miss him...and from this day forward...seeing a bar of dove soap will make me thing of him and smile.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Hong...Janice...and Bonnie.
October 16, 2013
Arantza Zabala
Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending positive thoughts your way,
October 16, 2013
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear the loss of your dad. I have such great memories of your father. I know he loved trying to scare the boys you were dating. I remember alot of laughing at your place. I know he loved you so much. He was always so wonderful to me and I loved coming to your house for those dinners. I am thankful that I had you as a friend in high school. You brought me a lot of great memories. I hope that you are doing well and I know you will miss your dad. I wish for you.... all the joy you can have....Dana Andrew Grandy
October 16, 2013
Mickie Hanni
Rose, Bonnie and Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a privilege and a blessing to know Danny. I've always appreciated his fun sense of humor. He was so kind to ask about my dad's health when he knew he was struggling. I am saddened by his passing and will miss him too. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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