Memorial

Francis Le (94), of Cedar Rapids, IA passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family at his home on November 13, 2023. He passed away due to complications from advanced heart failure and pneumonia.

A formal visitation will be held on Friday, November 17 from 4pm-8pm at the Cedar Memorial, where his family welcomes all his friends and acquaintances to come join them in paying their final respects. A ceremony will be held the following day at 10:30 a.m. for family members and friends at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 857 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Francis was born on July 23, 1929 in Vinh Long Province in Vietnam, where he lived with his father and mother. He was a former law enforcement officer in Sai Gon City, South Vietnam, who attended a formal training at the International Police (Interpol) Academy in Washington, D.C. in 1972. After immigrating to the United States in 1991, he continued his education at the Kirkwood Community College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1996.  

Francis is survived by his daughters Vinh Le of Cedar Rapids, IA; Hien Le (husband Doi Nguyen (Deceased)) of Seattle, WA, Tuyen Le (husband Thich Thai) of San Jose, CA, Dung Le (Deceased) (husband Ngoc Ho) of El Monte, CA; his sons Paul Le (wife Khanh Dao) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Win Nguyen Le (wife Nhi Tran) of Kansas City, MO, Phuc Le (wife Thuy Nguyen) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Minh Le (wife Nga Nguyen) of Seatle, WA, Trung Le (wife Hang Nguyen) of Portland, OR, and John Le (wife Lana Do) of South Riding, VA; and his grandchildren Bich Nguyen, Vy Nguyen, Brian Nguyen, Quy Le, Tam Le, John QH Le, Raymond Thai, Thu Le, Michelle Le, Ngoc Le, Thanh Le, Anh Le, Tuan Le, Hong Phuong Le, Hong Nhu Le, Thao Ho, Cindy Ho, Victoria Le, and Kristine Le.

He was a caring grandfather, the best father, a loving husband, and a friend to many. His absence will be felt deeply in the hearts of all those who were able to meet him, know him and love him.

To the dedicated staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, the family offers their utmost appreciation for the lengths they went to, to keep him comfortable. For those who wish to donate in his honor, please direct any donations to the St. Luke’s Foundation, in honor of Francis’s caregivers in both the ER and ICU Units. The family is indebted to these outstanding departments for providing him with the loving, quality care he needed in his final days. Please contact the St. Luke’s Foundation at (319) 369-7716 for further information.