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Hong Fort "Joe" Chew born on February 5, 1923, in Canton, China, peacefully passed away at home on January 16, 2026. Joe immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. He briefly attended technical vocational training in his early days, that served him well later in life. Joe was naturally talented; with a paper and pencil in hand; he could figure the math, measurement and angle for anything mechanical needing to be made or fixed. Joe was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1943. In 1947, the New York Congressional Senate passed H.R. Bill 3071 [ known as the "Hong Fort Chew Bill"], which set a precedent providing for relief from deportation after serving in the U.S. military. Thereafter, Joe's dream of providing the "American Dream" for his family entailed him working tirelessly as a waiter and cook in many Detroit restaurants, including his own "Hong Fort Gardens". In the early 1970s, pursuing a more wonderful life for his family, Joe moved his family from Dearborn Heights to Rapid City, Michigan and enjoyed being able to hunt and fish. Labeled as a "Magician in the kitchen", Joe began working as a cook at Torch Riveria, sharing his mastery of fine Chinese and American cuisine. In 1975, the Kin Fong Restaurant was opened by the Chew family in Kalkaska, the first Chinese Restaurant in Northern Michigan. After retiring, Joe enjoyed sunshine and ocean water in Islamorada, Florida, for 10 years before returning to Rapid City. Well into his 80 years, Joe enjoyed maintaining and growing Chinese and American vegetable gardens, raising chickens, annually picking Traverse City cherries [generously shared with family & friends], and cut & split wood in preparation for the winter. Joe believed in the benefits of natural foods, traditional Chinese remedies, and venison, a staple credited by many for his longevity. Joe relaxed by watching his beloved Detroit Tigers baseball, Jeopardy-Alex Trebek, and Wheel of Fortune. Joe's neighbors could find him relaxing on the front porch in nice weather, sharing a wave and a smile with each traveler that passed by. A good cigar and Cuban coffee were among Joe's preferred pleasures. Joe was a quiet, strong and independent man who never forgot and returned any kindness extended to him, with a quiet thank you and warm smile. In the mid-2000's, Joe brought Xia Li home to Rapid City, welcoming her into the Chew family. In addition to his wife, Xia Li, Joe is survived by his children, Karl (Mai) Chew; Andy (Keena) Chew, Helen (Bill) Artress, and Gina Perry (Todd Chwasek); Grandchildren, Eric (Mary) Artress, Jonathan (Kait) Chew, Liana (Logan) Porchie, Asia Artress (Caleb Merrifield), Sydney (David) Wilkins, Christian Artress (Sarah Holcomb), Ryan Perry, and Christopher, Cooper, Olivia and Sofia Chew; and Great-Grandchildren, Eli & Grace Artress, Atticus, Emmerson, and Carson Chew, and Paislee, Oaklynn, and Lily Porchie, and Weston Artress. Also surviving are a niece, Sue Tseung, and nephew, Shao Shan, with extended families Not to be forgotten as survivors are his two faithful dogs, Chumlee & Rafa. Joe was predeceased by his parents, 2 older sisters, and the mother of his beloved children, Kin Fong Chew. Joe's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Department of Veteran Affairs of Gaylord; Dr. Donald Cousineau, and "earth angel" Maureen N. of BrightStar Care, for their assistance, kindness and care for Joe. Should a memorial contribution want to be made in Joe's honor, the family suggests the Hospice of Michigan (10850 E. Traverse Hwy. #3325, Traverse City, MI 49684) or your favorite charity. "To the world you were one person, but to your family, you were the world" A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 12:00 pm with visiting with the family from 11:00 am at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Hong Fort "Joe" Chew

February 5, 1923 - January 16, 2026