Soeun Chhunn

Reverend Soeun Chhunn, age 76, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2017 surrounded by his family. He led a life of bravery, friendship, love and faith. Soeun was born on July 5, 1940 in Knach Romeas, in the Battambang province of Cambodia. He was the oldest of six children. He served in the National Khmer Armed Forces from 1970 to 1974. Soeun and his family survived the Khmer Rouge killing fields in Cambodia. In 1979, Soeun and An heroically escaped the war on foot with their five children. They courageously journeyed through landmine infested areas, hiding from Khmer Rouge soldiers, enduring unimaginable fear, hunger, exhaustion and suffering. An spent many nights sleeping alone in the woods with baby Pao to avoid attracting attention. Soeun safely led his family to the Khao-I-Dang United Nations refugee camp in Thailand where he and his family accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Kampheak was born there in 1981. In September 1981, with the helpof the refugee sponsor called United States Catholic Conference, the family came to the United States. Soeun soon found a custodial job at Samaritan Bethany where he worked for many years before finishing his career at the Mayo Clinic. In the early days, he walked three miles to work year-round. Seoun was a charter member of the 1st Church of the Nazarene of Rochester and helped build the church. Soeun loved the Lord and led many people to dedicate their life to the Lord. Soeun and his wife, An, became ministers and served as Missionary leaders in Cambodia. They made multiple trips back to Cambodia where they started numerous churches, brought goods and built water wells for rural Cambodians. Soeun and his family were one of the first Cambodian families to arrive in Rochester where they were key pillars in the Community with their service and dedication. His greatest pride and joy in life were his children, grandchildren, wife, and family. The Christian upbringing and strong focus on education was what he strived for his family. Soeun was a remarkable man. In spite of his declining health in recent years he continued to smile and to fight. He was the most courageous, strong, and brave man we know. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed. Soeun was preceded in death by his parents Souk and Theack, and his sister Chhem. Soeun is survived by An, his loving wife and companion of 56 years, his siblings Saveth, Savoeun, Savin, and Sa Eaurm, his six children Ry (Jan), Rachel (Heng), Sean (Tia), Soeung (Mum), Pao (James), and Kampheak (Tony), and his sixteen grandchildren (Zeb, Tess, Mollina, Rebekah, Cydney, Cylena, Joseph, Hannah, April, Eden, Oliver, Samuel, Isabelle, Penelope, Roman, Gino). There will be a funeral service on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 3343 East Circle Drive NE. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.