Thanasis "Tom" or "Sakis" Lakiotis

Thanasis “Tom” or “Sakis” Lakiotis, 71, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his home.

He was born on May 13, 1955, in Piraeus, Greece, to Charalampos and Kalliopi (nee Liapidis) Lakiotis. On August 18, 2002, he married Kathryn Hansgate (nee Knittel) in Wheaton, IL. Tom was previously married to Ann Isaacson, who preceded him in death in 2001. They were married on May 16, 1981, in Waukegan, IL.

Born in Greece, Tom’s heritage was an important piece of his life. He enthusiastically shared his culture with everyone. He was a seasoned tour guide, taking friends and family on many adventures throughout his beloved country. And everyone clamored for his homemade baklava.

As a father, Tom cherished his three children deeply. Whether it was reading stories in bed or going to museums and zoos, Tom instilled a love of learning and curiosity into his children.

Although Tom wore many hats throughout his life, Tom’s biggest passion was teaching. This led him to eventually get his Master of Education degree. Countless students loved when Mr. L came to class.

Tom spent as much time as possible traveling with Kathryn and driving to new places in his camper (“Da Bus”) or flying to a new country to explore. Tom never forgot a face that he met on his travels. He kept in touch with friends and family (and to him, everyone he met was a friend or part of the family) from all across the world, from the US to Greece. Tom was especially proud of his recent accomplishment of completing the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage across Spain. He walked roughly 600 miles from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago, Spain in Spring 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charalampos and Kalliopi Lakiotis; brother, Grigorios Lakiotis; and first wife, Ann Lakiotis.

Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn Lakiotis; children: Michael (Kristyn) Lakiotis, Kristina (Evelyn) Larkin, and Andrea (Steven) Lakiotis; grandchildren: William Lakiotis, Alexander Lakiotis, Felix Lakiotis, and one granddaughter on the way; siblings: Evangelia (Michális) Giannaras and Nikolaos (Maria) Lakiotis; nieces and nephews: Nikitas (Marina) Giannaras, Charalampos “Mpampis” Lakiotis, and Panagiota “Giota” Lakiotis.

For Memorial Donations, please send a check or payment to the following:

Illinois State University Foundation

Campus Box 8000, Normal IL 61790-8000

Designated to Fund Number 612-5344 (International House)

In memory of Tom or Sakis Lakiotis

Per his wishes, Tom is being cremated and will have no services at this time.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL