Sam Yanakopulos

1936 - 2025

Sam Yanakopulos

July 10, 1936 - August 30, 2025

Sam Yanakopulos, age 89, passed away on August 30, 2025, with his wife and son Michel by his side. He was born July 10, 1936, to Georgos and Caliope Giannakopoulos in Athens, Greece.

In 1958 he emigrated to Montreal, Canada. It was there that he began a decades-long career in hospitality. He was in all sense of the word a "foodie".

In 1970 he emigrated to the United States. There he met and married Ginny on September 14, 1976.

Sam was very proud of his Greek heritage and in 1982 became a proud Greek American.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dimitrios, and his brother-in-law Ronald Gullicksrud.

He is survived by his wife Ginny (Virginia Gullicksrud); his sons Michel (Angela) and Stephane (Manon) Yannakopoulos; daughter Sophie Yannakopoulos; brothers Yannis (Fani) and Panayotis (Aimilia) Giannakopoulos; sister-in-law Pierrette Yannakopoulos; brother-in-law John (Ronetta) Gullicksrud; sister-in-law Jennifer Gullicksrud; and his buddy Franklin, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. He is also survived by two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.

A church service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI, with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating. There will be visitation starting one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Ginny would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Interim HealthCare for the love and compassion shown to Sam and the family over the past several months.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center, Altoona, WI, is serving the family. To express condolences online please visit chippewavalleycremation.com.