Antonios P. “Tony” Laouras

Antonios P. “Tony” Laouras, age 78 of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Chicago, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on February 17, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Tony’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tony’s family.

 

Tony was born on January 30, 1942 in Athens, Greece.  He eventually made his way to Hawaii to begin his education after serving in the Greek Army.  While working on his Bachelors degree, Tony met the love of his life, Leona Kowalski.  She was a transplant professor who just happened to be in the right place at the right time when Tony stepped into her classroom.  The two have been blessed with 50 years together, both completing their Masters degrees and working in the English departments in education.  Tony has graced the teacher’s desk at Glenbrook South High School, College of Lake County, and Harper College before officially retiring from it all in 2010.  Teaching and mentoring was not just a job to Tony, it was his life’s work and his legacy. The only thing Tony valued more than teaching and learning was family, and so he and his wife moved to Dubuque to be close to his daughter and granddaughters.  We will miss Tony more than words could ever convey and we will treasure every memory we possess until we see our wonderful husband, father and grandfather again.

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tony include,

 

his beautiful bride,

Leona Laouras, Asbury, Iowa;

 

his beloved daughter,

Stephanie Laouras Prine, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his 2 adored granddaughters,

Esther Leigh Prine and Olive Jean Prine;

 

along with numerous extended family, friends, neighbors and students.

 

Tony was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Tony’s family would like to thank Dr. Hermann, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the professional and compassionate care of Tony, and his family.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Tony’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

To celebrate Tony’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois.

6 comments on “Antonios P. “Tony” Laouras
  1. Jolene & Gordy Schaver says:

    Tony was a sweet and gentle man. He loved his family with all his heart. We were blessed to have known him. Our sympathies to Leona, Stephanie, Esther and Olive. Are hearts are broken for you. Hugs!

  2. Sarah Greer Bush says:

    Dear Leona and family,
    When I saw the brief obit for Tony in today’s TH, I remembered with joy your speaking so lovingly about Tony when we were together for our Contemplative Living group. Now having read the full obit here, I am immersed in delightful memories of the journey you shared with us about your family, especially the delightful recent paths with your granddaughters.
    I send you and your family prayers and heart-felt compassion.
    May Tony rest in peace and rise in glory!
    God bless you.

  3. Stephen Lewis, Jr. says:

    Mr. Laouras was one of my favorite teachers, and he was a great one. He had a major role in my development as a student of literature and philosophy (I most remember his teaching of Plato’s Republic, and Milton’s Paradise Lost), and in my subsequent decision to become a teacher myself. I send you my prayers for your consolation and for the eternal rest of his soul, and assure you of my memories of a wonderful man.

  4. Allan Ruter says:

    Tony was my colleague and friend for who-knows-how- many years, and I still remember a dinner party at Tony’s and Leona’s with the Dahls and the Valentins. It was a Saturday night, and we ate shrimp–as I recall–out of a huge bowl around a low table. And there was, as if you need to ask, wine. Plenty of it.

    That said, I knew from my students whom Tony had earlier taught that he was a great teacher, a life-changer, a charismatic dude in front of the classroom whom teenagers, now way grown up, did (do) not forget.

    Rest in peace, Tony. And to his family, I hope that every new day brings you new peace of mind and, above all else, warmth of memory.

  5. Jake Kuhn says:

    I just found out about this now. Tony was just a wonderful man. On Halloween in 2006, he had my only class that day. Almost everyone was unprepared and Tony got frustrated and dismissed the class.

    I sent him an email and told him that I thought he was the best teacher I had. Plus I sent him my paper to show him I was prepared. The next day at Harper, Tony saw me and hugged me. That started one of the best friendships I had in college.

    I did paper on Hamlet and Tony gave me a 102 percent and told me it was the highest grade he ever gave anyone.

    I used to visit Tony in the writing center. He made me a better writer. When I transferred to a four year he and I shared and hug. I promised him that even though it was a 90 minute drive, I would be back just to have him help me with papers.

    People often talk about the one teacher that changed their lives. For me, that was Tony. I loved his cynical sense of humor.

    I am so sorry for everyone’s loss. I am also we fell out of contact. I tried to find a way to contact him and I found this obituary.

    I will always miss you, Tony. You were a great man, a great friend. I am sorry that I waited so long to get in touch with him and I missed a final goodbye. I love you Tony. Your family was lucky to have such a wonderful man in their. I am soooo sorry for their loss though. I knew you well Tony, so I know your family had to love you. Anyone who knew you loved you and goodbye. I hope to see you again one day.

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