Athanasios "Tom" Boutsalis

Athanasios Panagiotis “Tom” Boutsalis was born September 2, 1950 in Niata Lakonia, Greece the son of Panagiotis and Eleni (Drivas) Boutsalis.

In 1968 Tom and his father came to the United States and stayed in Owatonna, Minnesota. One year later the rest of their family immigrated from Greece. In 1974 Tom and his siblings moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa and bought Paul’s Pizza. Tom and his brother-in-law later opened Gus and Tom’s Pizza, which they operated until 1986. Tom had also worked for many years at Tasos' Steakhouse and George’s Pizza and Steakhouse. On April 29, 1990 Tom was united in marriage to Eleni Sakkaris at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Kaneli, Panayoti and Katerina. They have made their home in Knoxville, Iowa for many years.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family and friends. He liked to travel, especially home to Greece to visit family. Tom was loved by all he met.

Tom passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center, in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his family, at the age of 74 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Panagiotis and Eleni (Drivas) Boutsalis and his brother, Mike.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include his loving wife of 35 years, Eleni; children: Kaneli (George) Karakitsos, Panayoti (Danielle) Boutsalis and Katerina Boutsalis; 4 grandchildren: Thanasis, Alexandros, Nikos, Evelina and one due in July; in-laws, Michalis and Kaneli Sakkaris; brother, Tasos (Chris) Boosalis; sister, Maria (Gus) Thorakos; sister-in-law, Christina Boosalis; brothers-in-law: Periklis Sakkaris and Giannis (Koula) Sakkaris and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service for Athanasios Panagiotis “Tom” Boutsalis, age 74 of Knoxville, will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 35th St. Des Moines, IA 50311-3797 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, Iowa. The family will receive friends at their home in Knoxville following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date