John Karold Liapis

John Liapis, 94, of Bemidji, MN died Monday, April 1, 2019 at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji with Rev. Robert Wentzel officiating.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji and one hour prior to services at church. 

John Karold Liapis was born November 25, 1924 in Bemidji, MN to George & Martha Liapis.  He grew up and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1942.  He enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Radioman 2nd Class in WWII and the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in June of 1951.  He married Dottie Hjelm on September 4, 1948 at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji.  After the war, John returned home and enrolled at Bemidji State University where he began his career in education.  Throughout the next 40 years, John was an educator, coach, and principal.  For the majority of his career, John served as a Superintendant for many school districts throughout Minnesota finally retiring in 1984.  John was quite active in service organizations like Lions Club, American Legion, VFW, and the Eagles.  His other passion was curling, which he competed in and thoroughly enjoyed until the age of 89.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Dottie; children George Liapis, Julie (Wayne) Dalbey, Richard (Marcia) Liapis and Tom (Trina) Liapis; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert.

Memorials preferred to the Bemidji Lions Club or Salvation Army

Online guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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