Vaios G. Gennatos

Vaios G. Gennatos, 83 of Sioux City, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at a local hospital.  Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church with Father Luke Melakrinos as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation, with family present, will be one hour prior to the services on Tuesday morning at the church.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Vaios was born on December 26, 1939 in Amphilohia, Greece to George and Fotene (Stratouli) Gennatos.   He was the youngest of five siblings.

In his early years, he grew up and survived amidst the World War II occupation followed by the Greek civil war in his home town.   These early encounters, shaped his steadfastness in life and mental resolve into adulthood.   Following the wars, Vaios enjoyed a “storied” youth in the Mediterranean seaside town of Amphilohia.   His relationships with his family and many friends were of great importance and would do anything for those close to him.    Following his formal schooling and as a teenager, Vaios studied at the Greek Naval School.   Eventually, he returned to his hometown and established a career in plumbing and cooling and heating. 

In October 1976, Vaios was joined in marriage to Androniki (Kritis) of Sioux City, Iowa in Amphilohia, Greece.   Following their wedding, Vaios joined Androniki and emigrated to Sioux City in December of 1976.   Soon they welcomed two children, Fotene and George.  For the next thirty-plus years, Vaios worked for IBP and then Tyson Foods.  Vaios lived everyday making his family and two children his top priority and source of pride.   His happiness was tied to their happiness and well-being.   With his natural charisma, Vaios’ developed many friendships from his work and within the local Greek community.    He continued the Greek tradition of meeting for coffee with his friends every morning for many decades to debate the days issues and reminisce of the past.    In his later years, when his movements became limited, he did not shy away from offering a friendly greeting and smile to the neighbors in his building every day.

He is survived by his daughter, Fotene Karantinos, of Storm Lake, IA and his son, George Gennatos of Sioux City, IA.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Androniki; sister, Polyxene; brother, Sotirios; brother, Alexios, sister, Costadoula and son-in-law, Chris.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church with Father Luke Melakrinos as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation, with family present, will be one hour prior to the services on Tuesday morning at the church.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church restoration fund.