Chao Teng Huang, 70, of Grinnell, died on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Mayflower Health Care Center in Grinnell.

A Catholic Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled for 12:00 PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Grinnell. Chao will be cremated following the service and will be buried in Iowa Falls.

Cards of condolences may be shared with Chao's Niece, Martha Fung, and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Chao was born April 27, 1953, in Tainan, Taiwan the son of Kai-Ping Huang and Tocia (Lee) Huang. Chao was raised and educated in Taiwan and emigrated to Iowa Falls, IA in 1985 and became a U.S. Citizen in 1988.

Chao was diagnosed with polio at a young age and paralyzed, but he never let this define him. In Iowa Falls, he attended Ellsworth Community College and worked at UBC for over 15 years. Chao always held a passion for jewelry; he loved making and refurbishing jewelry. He began his career as a jeweler in Taiwan and continued his education in gemology at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA. Chao apprenticed in Iowa Falls before moving to Grinnell where he apprenticed with Bill's Jewelry.

Chao lived at Beebe Hall, Mayflower Community in Grinnell for many years. He loved the staff and the many friendships he established there. The Mayflower Community provided Chao with a sense of community and experiences he didn't even realize he needed.

Chao was a loving and caring individual; he will be remembered for his ability to make others feel welcomed with his smile and warm and friendly personality. His positive attitude and outlook on life was always an inspiration to his friends and family. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Grinnell and St. Marks Catholic Church in Iowa Falls.

Chao is survived by his sister: Nily Fung of Iowa Falls; his brother: Chao Long Huang of Iowa Falls; his special caregiver niece: Martha Fung Davis of Washington DC and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Peter Huang and Vincent Hwang; and sister Nina Huang.