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John C. Stavropoulos

July 18, 1918 - September 8, 2007

John C. Stavropoulos (Chili John), a living legend and lifetime resident, passed away peacefully from this life on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at the age of 89. He was the proud owner and operator of Chili John”s CafAC., an established landmark that he began 71 years ago in downtown Beaver Dam.

John (Chili John) was born on July 18, 1918, in Beaver Dam, the son of Greek immigrants Christos and Frances Stavropoulos.

John was a family man and papa extraordinaire. He developed these skills early in life when his father passed away on November 25, 1936, leaving a widow and four children behind. John was a senior in high school at that time. Being the man he was, he dropped out of school and took over his father”s business to support and provide for the family. In November 1942, he joined the US Army and served his country proudly until he was discharged in May of 1948. While in the service, he continued to support and provide for his family back home by sending his service checks to his mother. After his discharge, he returned back to his hometown of Beaver Dam and picked-up where he left off, operating Chili John”s CafAC..

On November 20, 1949, in Fond du Lac, he married Sophia G. Scocos, Greek school sweetheart. She became as much a part of the restaurant as Chili John himself.

John is remembered and cherished by his two children, Frances G. Stavropoulos, Christos G. Stavropoulos both of Beaver Dam, his granddaughter, Katina A. Stavropoulos of Beaver Dam, his sister, Sophia Smocke of Delafield, his brothers, George (Ruth) Stavropoulos of Michigan City, IN. and Harry (Betty) Stavropoulos of Alliance, NE. as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Christos in 1936, his mother, Frances in 1976, his beloved wife, Sophia in 2006, and a brothers-in-law, Eugene Smocke in 2007 and John Scocos in 2004.

The family of John would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. David Yuan, the medical staff and support staff at the Beaver Dam Dialysis Center for their support, skilled care and compassion they provided to our beloved Papa and Poulie. We also extend a special thank you to the entire staff of nurses, aids, housekeeping, food service, activity director, social workers, transportation workers and administration at Hillside Manor of Beaver Dam. The expert care, compassion, support and dignity they provided to our Papa and Poulie was truly appreciated. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Peggy Westra (Beaver Dam EMS Transport) for the comfort , compassion and spiritual strength provided to our beloved Papa in the last moments of his life.

Chili John embraced life with courage and dignity. The legacy he left to his children was not in words or possessions, but the unspoken treasure of his example of a man, husband, father and friend.

Friends may pay their respects on Sunday, September 16, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A Trisagion Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 17, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 198 N. Macy St. Fond du Lac, WI 54935 . Fr. Peter Pappademetriou of Holy Trinity and Fr. Ted Trifon of St. Constantine and Helen, Wauwatosa, will preside over the liturgy.

The family suggests that memorials be made in John Stavropoulos”s name to: Saint Basil Academy, 79 Saint Basil Rd. Garrison, New York, 10524 or to St. Jude Children”s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made on our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Service Details

Monday, September 10th, 2007, 11:00am, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church-Fond du Lac

Interment Details

Oakwood Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Events
There are no events scheduled.

John C. Stavropoulos (Chili John), a living legend and lifetime resident, passed away peacefully from this life on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at the age of 89. He was the proud owner and operator of Chili John”s CafAC., an established landmark that he began 71 years ago in downtown Beaver Dam. John (Chili John) wasContinue Reading

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Gary Mathis, a former resident left a message on September 22, 2007:
To the Children and Grandchildren of Chili John: Please accept my condolences on your recent loss. I am a former resident of Beaver Dam having lived there from 1946 until 3 days after I graduated from Wayland Academy in June of 1960. My Mom, Louise Mathis, called me on Thursday, 11/20/07 and told me she had received some clippings from the Daily Citizen sent by Phyllis Smith, another former resident, concerning the loss of another Beaver Dam legend. Chili John''s is one of my best memories of Beaver Dam. If I got all "A''s" on my report card, my Dad would give me a dollar and I would go to Chili John''s and get two hamburger''s, a bowl of chili and a glass of milk. Whenever I order a bowl of chili I compare it to how I remember Chili John''s tasted, and I have yet to find any that had that special ability to raise a sweat on your forehead without burning your mouth and throat. Dad used to say that John would use him to test his chili by watching his forehead, and I know Dad used to eat alot of it during those cold Wisconsin winter days when he worked for Coca-Cola. In 1985 I went back to Beaver Dam, for my 25th class reunion. I had a room at the Hotel Rogers and I walked up Front street, downtown, to see if Chili John"s was still open. John was working at the grill, and I told him that I was in town for my Wayland class reunion and how I used to come in when I got all "A''s" and asked him if he remembered me, and a big smile came over his face and he said " Your Dave''s boy" and he yelled back to Sophie, "hey look who''s here, Dave Mathis''s boy, Gary." After some reminiscing, I asked him how the chili was, and he said " Here, I''ll show you how the chili is." After savoring a couple of spoonfuls, I told him it was still the best I''d ever had. And it still is. Thank you for letting me share some of my memories of Chili John with you.
Gary Mathis, a former resident left a message on September 22, 2007:
To the Children and Grandchildren of Chili John: Please accept my condolences on your recent loss. I am a former resident of Beaver Dam having lived there from 1946 until 3 days after I graduated from Wayland Academy in June of 1960. My Mom, Louise Mathis, called me on Thursday, 11/20/07 and told me she had received some clippings from the Daily Citizen sent by Phyllis Smith, another former resident, concerning the loss of another Beaver Dam legend. Chili John''s is one of my best memories of Beaver Dam. If I got all "A''s" on my report card, my Dad would give me a dollar and I would go to Chili John''s and get two hamburger''s, a bowl of chili and a glass of milk. Whenever I order a bowl of chili I compare it to how I remember Chili John''s tasted, and I have yet to find any that had that special ability to raise a sweat on your forehead without burning your mouth and throat. Dad used to say that John would use him to test his chili by watching his forehead, and I know Dad used to eat alot of it during those cold Wisconsin winter days when he worked for Coca-Cola. In 1985 I went back to Beaver Dam, for my 25th class reunion. I had a room at the Hotel Rogers and I walked up Front street, downtown, to see if Chili John"s was still open. John was working at the grill, and I told him that I was in town for my Wayland class reunion and how I used to come in when I got all "A''s" and asked him if he remembered me, and a big smile came over his face and he said " Your Dave''s boy" and he yelled back to Sophie, "hey look who''s here, Dave Mathis''s boy, Gary." After some reminiscing, I asked him how the chili was, and he said " Here, I''ll show you how the chili is." After savoring a couple of spoonfuls, I told him it was still the best I''d ever had. And it still is. Thank you for letting me share some of my memories of Chili John with you.
John Eder left a message on September 16, 2007:
To Frances and the Stavropoulos family, Your father was next to my Grandfather, Lawrence Eder, for a brief period in Fond du Lac, and he shared some of his love with our family. We appreciate all your kindness and our family wishes you all some harmony. With warmth, -John Eder
John Eder left a message on September 16, 2007:
To Frances and the Stavropoulos family, Your father was next to my Grandfather, Lawrence Eder, for a brief period in Fond du Lac, and he shared some of his love with our family. We appreciate all your kindness and our family wishes you all some harmony. With warmth, -John Eder
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Cynthia A. Janz Zaklan left a message on September 12, 2007:
Fran and Chris I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great man and will be missed by many in the community. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I know that our fathers are up there having a discussion right now. May the Greek gods be with you!
Cynthia A. Janz Zaklan left a message on September 12, 2007:
Fran and Chris I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great man and will be missed by many in the community. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I know that our fathers are up there having a discussion right now. May the Greek gods be with you!
Danny, Natalie, and Audrey (Pollock) Mundy left a message on September 11, 2007:
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the sun always shine upon your face and remind you that your dad is in a better place. Love and sincerety, Danny, Natalie and Audrey (Pollock) Mundy
Paul Stavropoulos left a message on September 11, 2007:
Franny,Christos,and Katina, We are so sorry to here of Uncle"Chili"John''s passing He will be missed by so very many,after all He touched a lot of lives. Love, Cousin Paul,and daughters Angela Nicole,and Shan Marie.
Danny, Natalie, and Audrey (Pollock) Mundy left a message on September 11, 2007:
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the sun always shine upon your face and remind you that your dad is in a better place. Love and sincerety, Danny, Natalie and Audrey (Pollock) Mundy
Paul Stavropoulos left a message on September 11, 2007:
Franny,Christos,and Katina, We are so sorry to here of Uncle"Chili"John''s passing He will be missed by so very many,after all He touched a lot of lives. Love, Cousin Paul,and daughters Angela Nicole,and Shan Marie.
Marc, Barbara, & Shaylee Stavropoulos left a message on September 10, 2007:
Frannie & Chris, Our deepest sympothy and thoughts are with you with the loss of Uncle "Chili" John.
Tony left a message on September 10, 2007:
09.10.07 Hey John ~ Hope this goes the Express Route to Heaven. Last nite (Sun nite), when we heard about you leaving us for the Better Life, your Wake had already passed, so it''s GOOD that you & Fran & Mary & I had a Gab Fest only a few days ago in the BD Hospital Cafe ~ we only talked current stuff then, but that''s cool ~ will save the Major Reminiscing until your Family and & mine are all tucked inside the Pearly Gates. Till then, show my Papa Byron how to REALLY cook ~ flippin'' hamburgers in Heaven ~ kinda gives a new meaning to Cheeseburger in Paradise! See you later John. Love, Tony Spangler
diana manegold left a message on September 10, 2007:
Just wanted to pass along my thoughts and prayers to your family. I was honored to be able to see your father every day at the manor. His smile lite up the room and his zest for life made everyone smile. He will missed and thought of often. I will miss making his turkey and tomato sandwich, but will remember with a smile his appreciation and caring ways. God Bless, Always, Diana Manegold
Jolene Stavropoulos-Kuhn and Steven Kuhn left a message on September 10, 2007:
Fran, Chris and Katina -- Words cannot express our sympathy in the loss of Chili John -
Jim & Linda Tator, Beaver Dam left a message on September 10, 2007:
I''m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. Your dad lead a good life and you should be very proud of that.
Marc, Barbara, & Shaylee Stavropoulos left a message on September 10, 2007:
Frannie & Chris, Our deepest sympothy and thoughts are with you with the loss of Uncle "Chili" John.
Tony left a message on September 10, 2007:
09.10.07 Hey John ~ Hope this goes the Express Route to Heaven. Last nite (Sun nite), when we heard about you leaving us for the Better Life, your Wake had already passed, so it''s GOOD that you & Fran & Mary & I had a Gab Fest only a few days ago in the BD Hospital Cafe ~ we only talked current stuff then, but that''s cool ~ will save the Major Reminiscing until your Family and & mine are all tucked inside the Pearly Gates. Till then, show my Papa Byron how to REALLY cook ~ flippin'' hamburgers in Heaven ~ kinda gives a new meaning to Cheeseburger in Paradise! See you later John. Love, Tony Spangler
diana manegold left a message on September 10, 2007:
Just wanted to pass along my thoughts and prayers to your family. I was honored to be able to see your father every day at the manor. His smile lite up the room and his zest for life made everyone smile. He will missed and thought of often. I will miss making his turkey and tomato sandwich, but will remember with a smile his appreciation and caring ways. God Bless, Always, Diana Manegold
Jolene Stavropoulos-Kuhn and Steven Kuhn left a message on September 10, 2007:
Fran, Chris and Katina -- Words cannot express our sympathy in the loss of Chili John -
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jim & Linda Tator, Beaver Dam left a message on September 10, 2007:
I''m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. Your dad lead a good life and you should be very proud of that.
Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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