John G. Tsikalas

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.