John G. Tsikalas
1933 - 2012
John G. Tsikalas
1933 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
John Tsikalas Obituary
In loving memory, we celebrate the life of John G. Tsikalas (November 15, 1933 – May 23, 2012) -husband, father, grandfather, teacher, potter, poet, and friend.
Fondly known as "Mr. T," he was born in the small village of Thrapsano, Crete, Greece, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 23. When he arrived, John knew very little English and went back to high school to learn the language while working in his uncle's restaurant. Later, he attended St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. There he earned a Bachelor's degree and met his wife, Loretta (Lor) Ledger. The two moved to the Midwest to begin careers in education and to raise a family.
John taught English and Communications Skills at Mexico Senior High School for more than 20 years. Upon retirement, he began a second career as a potter. He continued to express his love of teaching by giving pottery workshops to children and adults and by lecturing the squirrels in his backyard. He continued to express his love of language by writing letters to the editors of local and national newspapers and by writing poetry. In his later years, John also volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels and the Audrain County Medical Center.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lor, by his two children, Demetrios of St. Louis (married to Jacqueline) and Kallen of Brooklyn, NY (married to Scott Pasternak), and by 5 grandchildren: Maria, John, Lydia & Kara Tsikalas, and Baby-to-Be Pasternak. He also has three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews in Greece whom he much cherished.
John passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis due to complications of cancer. He will be deeply missed and always remembered as a man of opinions, integrity and love.
The Tsikalas family invites friends to pay their last regards. Visitation will be Friday (5/25) from 4-8 pm at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri, with a Trisagion (memorial prayer) service at 7 pm. On Saturday (5/26), there will be a visitation from 10 am – 12pm at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with the Funeral Service beginning at noon.
Donations in John's memory may be made to St. Luke's Greek Orthodox in Columbia or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debra Rossiter
June 4, 2012
John Tsikalas was one of my favorite teachers at MHS. I graduated in 1971 and I still tell friends how great he was.
Carol Ann Zimmerman
June 3, 2012
I remember two wonderful weekend with the T's in 1992. I threw my first and only pot with Mr. T. Lori, I was just telling some new friends from North Carolina about this pot and John. I remember so much those few days with you two. Blessing of comfort and sympathy to all the family! He will be missed by so many!
~Carol Ann Zimmerman, AFS volunteer, Sublette KS
June 1, 2012
Dear Lori,I am very sad to hear of John's passing.I will remember him always as a kind and happy man.It was always a joy to see you and John at the Greek Church and at Greek celebrations.I will carry those happy memories of the many conversations we have had through the past years.My love and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.We are blessed to have the hope of seeing our loved ones again,without their pain or suffering.My sincere condolence,Koula Makridis
Kathleen Barnes Grant
May 31, 2012
I have such good memories of Mr. Tsikalas from MHS. I graduated in the class of 1971 and he was a big part of all of our lives. We wish you peace during this difficult time. Kathleen Barnes (Grant) Portland, Or.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Steve Hoer
May 30, 2012
Mr T was Always my favorite teacher. RIP
Kathy Chapman Crouch and John Crouch
May 30, 2012
Mr. Tsikalas was an awesome English teacher! Both of us had him at MHS. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at the difficult time. Keep your memories of him close to your heart as we will continue to do.
Michelle Morrison-Johnson
May 29, 2012
Nathaniel, Meredith, and I are deeply saddened by the loss of the amazing man who we were honored to call Papoo. I always called him Mr.T just like everyone else until I met Maria. I believe Maria was only 4 at the time and she was visiting her Papoo with her parents and her brother. She told me that I had to call him Papoo because that is what his name is. 20 years later I continue to do so as do my children. We enjoyed spending time with him and Lori during our visits home and will always cherish those memories along with the words of wisdom he taught us. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Timothy,Christine,and Leander Camene
May 27, 2012
Dear Demetrios,Jackie,and Family;
Me and Chris were saddened by the news of
your Dad's death. Although,this is never
an easy time,may you find comfort in all the memories that you have about him.
May his memory be forever eternal.
Zoe Se Sas.
Elaine Bastl
May 27, 2012
I'm so sorry to read of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Kay Karras
May 25, 2012
Mrs. Tsikalas, Demetri, Jackie, and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I didn't get to see him very often, but when I did I always enjoyed our conversations. I also loved his pottery. I was just at St. Luke's G.O. Church in Columbia this past Sunday and I noticed that I didn't see him there like I usually do. You can tell how special he was by the fact that his students from 40 years ago are writing about him here.
May he rest where there is no more sorrow, suffering, or pain. May his memory be eternal.
Kay Karras
St. Nicholas Church
St. Louis, MO
Diane Conklin
May 25, 2012
Mr. Tsikalas taught both of us high school english in the 1970's. He was a favorite of ours from MHS. He was one of the best and influenced both of us in a very positive way. We never forgot him. Diane and Sid Conklin.
May 25, 2012
So sorry to hear of "Mr. T"'s passing. I have fond memories of his class as a student at MHS in 1972/73. He worked hard to instill in us a love of reading, and told us often that such a love would serve us our whole lives, and he was right. On one occasion he gave us an assignment to read ANY popular press book we wanted and get up to give an oral report... nothing too formal, just a quick summary of the book, and why we had chosen it and what it had meant to us. I chose a VERY thick and difficult book, "August 1914" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When time came for the report, I was unprepared and tried to fake my way through. "Mr. T" wasn't fooled, and began to ask me pointed questions about the story. Finally, with a smile he asked, "Mr. Shouse, I do not think maybe you have read this book so well?". I have told that story often with fond remembrances of the man who helped me have the lifelong joy of reading. He was a good teacher, and a good man. My condolences to you all. John Shouse, Nashville TN
May 25, 2012
Mr.Tsikalas was my high school english teacher. I loved keeping up with him through the annual Greek dinners. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.....Judy Bildner (Schroeder) and Ione Schroeder.
May 25, 2012
We were very sorry to hear about John's passing. I was glad I was able to have a conversation with John, on the phone, a while back. He sounded so positive. We have such wonderful memories of getting together with both of you, at your Eastholm Street address. Lori, I also have good memories of attending Unity, in Columbia, MO, with you. We send our prayers and love, Priscilla and Dave Medley
May 25, 2012
So sorry to hear of John's passing; our thoughts and prayers are with you and family......Love Norma and Frank Giger
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
6464 Chippewa Street, Saint Louis, MO 63109
Make a Donation
in John Tsikalas's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Tsikalas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
