Yen Thi Nguyen

Yen Thi Nguyen, age 72, passed away peacefully at her home in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 8, 2025.

Yen was born in Saigon, Vietnam, to her parents Nam Loc Tran and Duong Thi Anh. She spent her childhood and teenage years in the heart of Saigon, where she fondly remembered picking up breakfast at the market on her way to school and enjoying fresh young coconuts straight from the tree.

Yen later immigrated to the United States in 1971, settling first in Tekamah, Nebraska, with her first husband. Together, they had three children: Mary, John, and Tammy.

She later met and married her late husband, Hi Van Nguyen. They were married on December 15, 1978, and made their home in Fremont before moving to Tecumseh, Nebraska, where they raised their two sons, Randy and Paul.

Yen worked for many years in production at Campbell’s Soup, where she formed lasting friendships, and later retired from CJ Foods. In 2020, she was able to return to Vietnam with her three sons—a special journey that allowed her to reconnect with her roots and share her story with her sons after 40 years in America.

A friend to many, Yen was known for her kindness and her love of conversation. She had a deep passion for cooking and was especially known in the Tecumseh community for her delicious Vietnamese egg rolls. After retiring, she moved to Omaha to be closer to her children and grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. She was immensely proud of her family and found great joy in watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.

Yen is survived by her children: Randy Nguyen, Paul (Mallory) Nguyen, John (Pam) Stout, Mary Ball, and Tammy (Jim) Madsen; grandchildren: Nora Nguyen, Anthony Stout, James Stout, Donny (Rachel) Ball, Braden Ball, and Marissa Ball; great-grandson: James Ball; and other extended family.She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband Hi Van Nguyen, and son-in-law Jim Ball.

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel)

In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be used in Yen's memory at a later date. 

Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services, 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400