//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01e/146352/146352-00.jpgService
Friday, May 10, 2024
11:00 AM EDT
St. Luke Episcopal Church
247 West Lovell
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Web Site
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01e/146352/146352-00.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Age 89, died on April 26, 2024. Gus was born May 2, 1934 in Morenci, MI, the son of John and Anna (Parry) Gianakaris. He is survived by his wife, Ann Gianakaris; daughter, Beth (Daniel) Groshans; grandchildren: Alex (Alicia Collier) Groshans; Laura (Will) Carmichael; brother, George Gianakaris; and nieces: Susan Gianakaris and Kristy Tucker. Services will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Lukes Episcopal church (247 W. Lovell).
Gus earned a bachelor and masters degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He spent most of his professional years teaching English and Theater at Western Michigan University, retiring in 2004. Gus was also a visiting Professor at the University of Missouri and taught for 5 years at Illinois State University.
Gus authored nine publications, numerous articles and cofounded and edited the journal “Comparative Drama,” for 25 years at WMU. In 1991, he received the Teaching Excellence award at WMU and the Community Medal of Arts Award in 2006.
For many years Gus led groups to Stratford Theater in Canada and also to London, West End Theater.
Gus extended his love of music and theater to the community, reviewing local productions for the Kalamazoo Gazette for many years.
Celebrate Gus’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269)375-2900.