Sam Hagopian

Sam Hagopian passed away Monday, May 15, 2017 at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home, Union Grove, WI. He was 92 years old.

He was born to Gulenia and Gazaros Hagopian on May 16, 1924 in Racine, Wisconsin, the middle child of three children. He attended William Horlick High School and enlisted in the army in 1942. Sam was captured and held in a German prison camp for eighteen months and released at the end of World War II. After his release, he returned to Racine where he was employed with S.C. Johnson and Son for thirty-four years.

In 1948, Sam married the love of his life, Beatrice Kigian, by whom he is survived; along with his children, Linda (Stephen) Knowles, Sam (Mickey) Hagopian; his grandchildren, Richard Hagopian, Timothy Knowles, James (Katie) Knowles, Courtney (Nate Fett) Knowles; one great-grandson, John Marshall Knowles; and his only surviving sibling, Leo Hagopian.

Sam was an avid runner, earning numerous medals and awards. He was a skilled handyman around the house. He enjoyed carpentry, plumbing, gardening, and maintaining his home. He was never afraid to tackle any project.

First and foremost, he was a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, at home watching movies, slapstick comedy or football on television, grilling out, picnics, daytrips, and family vacations.

Sam is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Sally Baum, and his infant son, Gary Hagopian.

Funeral services followed by Full Military Honors will be held at the funeral home on Saturday May 20, 2017, 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. Private interment will be held at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, or to the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home, Union Grove.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home for all of their love and support during Sam’s time in residence.