Louis John Vangalis passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the age of 102.

Lou was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on May 18, 1921, to his Greek immigrant parents; John Vangalis and Jennie (Booras) Vangalis. He was the second-born in his family and had seven siblings. Growing up, Lou worked in his parent's cafes, bars and candy store during the years of prohibition and helped them care for his younger siblings during the Depression. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1941. In 1942, he joined the US Army and served in the Infantry under General Patton during World War ll. He saw action in Germany and was in the Battle of Ardennes Rhineland Central Europe's/ Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning to the US after the war, he learned how to be an architectural draftsman. He moved to Rochester, MN in 1948 and worked for Botsford Lumber Company and then Brumm Hardware. He married Phyllis Wolff in 1955, after meeting her on a blind date years earlier. They had two daughters; Nancy and Ann, and enjoyed many fun family times together. Most of his career was spent with Kruger's Plastic Tops where his "claim to fame" was being in every bar in SE MN…( Designing the Formica countertops!) He retired in 1986.

As a couple, Lou & Phyllis enjoyed traveling, going out to eat with friends, going to their cabin in western WI and spending time with family.

Lou was a pheasant hunter, skied, bowled in leagues and fished with friends up at Black Duck Lake in Northern MN for decades. In 2009, Lou was proud to fly to Washington, DC with the Honor Flight. Lou was an avid woodcarver and he belonged to the Rochester Woodcarver's group for 45 years. Lou was also a 52-year cancer survivor. Lou was well known to everyone for his corny jokes and his witty sense of humor.

Lou leaves behind his daughters; Nancy (Terry) Miller, Ann Vangalis, his granddaughters; Krista (Nick) Crowley, Alyssa Miller, and his great-grandchildren; Avery Crowley and Mack Crowley; all of Rochester. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and his "family" at the Rochester Rehab and Living Center and his men's group at the Homestead.

Lou was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years; Phyllis, his mother and father, his siblings; Andrew, Bette, Georgia, Katherine, Dennis, Aaron and Alyce.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers at the Rochester Rehab and Living Center, as well as the Mayo Hospice nurses and volunteers. Memorials are suggested to Peace U.C.C. or to Cancer Research at The Mayo Clinic.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2 ^nd Ave. NE, Rochester, MN with Rev. Paul Bauch officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2024 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home 1105 12 ^th St. SE, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com