Funeral Details

Viet Quoc Nguyen (November 14th, 1962 - November 8th, 2025)

Viet Quoc Nguyen (62), born November 14th, 1962, in Saigon, Vietnam, passed away on November 8th, 2025, at his home in Chicago, Illinois after fighting a very brave and courageous battle with Stage IV Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer.
Viet was a Vietnam war refugee who fled from Saigon, Vietnam at 12 years old with his family on April 30th, 1975. His father Duy “Ruy” Binh Nguyen and mother Mao Thi Nguyen were able to obtain passage for Viet and his younger brothers Vu, Ly, Trung, and Coo onto a US Navy Ship and eventually emigrate to the United States. The Nguyen family settled in Batavia, Illinois in 1977.

Viet attended high school in Batavia, Illinois. In Batavia, he was taken in by Carol Eileen Winkle and John V. Winkle at age 17 and was considered family. Viet graduated from the University Wisconsin, Stout with a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After college, Viet worked in a variety of hotels and restaurants in New York, Boston, and eventually Chicago. Viet worked in the wine and spirits business with the Romano Brothers and eventually Southern Glazer’s. Viet worked with Southern Glazer’s in sales for over 20 years. Viet was a dedicated and enthusiastic employee up until the end of his life. He adored all of the people he worked with and touched their lives both professionally and personally.

Viet’s passion was food. He loved to eat and cook for his family and friends. He “wined and dined” and always enjoyed joking around with his very large circle of loved ones. His generosity knew no bounds. He was loved by all who came to know him, so it is no surprise that so many came to his aid during his battle with cancer.

Viet loved his children Olivia and Aidan more than anything. Both Olivia and Aidan were involved in his care and were by his side in his last days. Viet will be greatly missed by many, but the memories, stories, and the laughter with Viet will always be remembered.

Viet was preceded in death by his father Duy “Ruy” Binh Nguyen and mother Mao Thi Nguyen, and John V. Winkle and Carol Winkle. He is survived by his children Olivia and Aidan; his siblings Vu (Tram), Ly (Margie), Trung, Coo, Viet-Nu, JB (Robin), Joe (Deb), Ann (Pat) Matt (Chris), Carol (Keith), and Heidi (Pete); and over 30 nieces and nephews who affectionately call him Bác Viet and Uncle V.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM on November 22nd at The Wit Hotel, 201 N. State Street, Chicago with a Celebration of Life following from 3PM to 5PM. There will be a private burial for family members.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made in Viet’s honor to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, www.chicagofoodbank.org. Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com