Christ Troupis 1923-2011

Christ Troupis, 88, of Mendota, passed away on Dec. 19, 2011.

Mr. Troupis was born Jan. 28, 1923 in Mendota to Theodore and Efterpe Troupis. He married Marion Roberts on Jan. 2, 1947 in South Bend, Ind.

Mr. Troupis served in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the Army Air Force during World War II. He attended Northwestern University and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1949. Following law school, Mr. Troupis returned to Mendota where he practiced law for more than 50 years. Before his retirement, he was active in the La Salle County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar. His practice focused most often on estate and probate matters although he was well known for his representation of school districts and other local units of government.

He was elected mayor of Mendota in 1953 and served until 1961. During his tenure the Mendota Community Pool was built. He was elected to the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees in 1967 and served as board president during the acquisition and construction of the campus on the south bluff of the Illinois River. For nearly 20 years, Mr. Troupis also served on Mendota Community Hospital Board of Trustees and was president of that board for several years. He was a member of VFW Post 4079 and the American Legion and was a past member and former president of Mendota Lions Club and Mendota Jaycees. He served as chairman of the local chapter of the American Red Cross and was a past member of the Mendota Elks Lodge and Mendota Moose.

In addition to his civic and community service, Mr. Troupis was long active in the local and regional business community. He was a past president of Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce and served as parade marshal for the 2003 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival. He also served on the National Bank of Mendota board of directors from 1965-1993 and was a member of Mendota Investors Club. In 1981, he received the Outstanding Service Award from the Chamber. Mr. Troupis was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Parish and received the Thomas More Award from the Peoria Diocese for his service and accomplishments. Fishing, traveling and family brought enormous joy to his life.

Survivors include his wife; five children, Jeanne (Andrius) Balukas of Spencer, Ohio, Christ (Maureen) Troupis of Eagle, Idaho, James (Karen) Troupis of Cross Plains, Wis., Diana (Stewart) Karge of Downers Grove and Ann Troupis of Malden; and 14 grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.