Suey Wong

MADISON - Suey Tai Wong, born March 17, 1936 and born to eternal life April 6, 2021. He passed away peacefully at home, gazing out to the sunset, surrounded by his family.

Tai was born in Guangzhou, China to Bon Jon and Lin (Yuen) Wong. Tai’s mother passed away when he was 11 years old. Tai and his 2 brothers were raised by their grandmother, Chan Lin. Tai’s father and grandfather, Chok Ting lived here in Madison, operating Charles Wong Laundry. To help run the family business, the younger family members were brought over from China first. In October of 1963, Tai arrived in Madison with his wife, two children under the age of 2 years, 2 suitcases, and a few dollars in his pocket. Tai earned Fifteen dollars per week working for his father. Five dollars of that was taken weekly to repay the $2,000.00 for passage to the U.S. Tai wanted to repay his debt quickly and move his family to a place of their own.  Tai learned English through classes at the UW, learned to drive, and became a chef at the Cathay House Restaurant. He was very proud of his first car, a white Chevy Impala and being able to move his family to their own Apartment.

When the laundry business faded, Bon Jon opened the Golden Dragon Restaurant in 1974. Tai left the Cathay House to join his brother Yarn, and his Uncle Tung Yee, as chefs at the Golden Dragon Restaurant. In 1982, Tai and his brother opened their own restaurant, King Wah. Tai was proud to live in the U.S. He registered with the Selective Service System on March 27, 1964. He carried that card in his wallet until the day he died. He studied, passed the exam to become a US citizen and was naturalized on November 2, 1973.

In his early years, Tai enjoyed going to the horse races in Arlington, with his youngest brother, Suey Shek. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing the slots at Ho-Chunk, and watching his pear trees blossom.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shuk Kwan, Daughter, Suzie (Jerry) Lewis, Sons, Kenny (Christine) and Chuck. Grandchildren, Cindi, Tiffani, Alexis, Benjamin, Caleigh, Kathleen, and Graham. Brothers, Suey Yarn and Suey Shek. He will also be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Soo Fon Lee, an infant brother, and nephew, Micah.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a private ceremony and burial will be held on Tuesday, April 13th at noon. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. The service will be live streamed.

Our family is grateful to Agrace for the tender care extended to Tai.

No flowers. Please consider a donation to Agrace or the American Cancer Society.

How lucky was I that I got to call you daddy. Miss you. Love you. Suzie

God Saw You

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
Heaven must be beautiful,
as God only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

Virtual Services - https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=0b1e02e1-e721-425f-a043-db8a3211d510

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network .