Obituary
Gus Petrakis
died peacefully in his beloved home on April 16th, 2018. He was a first generation American; his father emigrated from the village of Koniditsa, Greece. Gus served in the Navy at San Diego, California, which after a childhood beside the Mississippi River, developed a lifelong love of sailing and fascination with boats. He graduated from the University of Dubuque in business; he informally continued his education until his death.
Gus married the love of his life, Margot Mathey of Galena, IL. They moved to Freeport, IL to establish a leasing department for Jack Myers at Myers Ford, Myers-U-Drive. Gus expanded the department until his retirement. Gus didn't have hobbies, he had passions: sailing, gardening, photography, Abraham Lincoln and history were just a few. He loved researching a topic that had been abandoned or overlooked. From a photo in Lost Freeport he noticed a marquee about Young Lincoln, a film by Thomas Edison. After finally locating it he purchased the rights to it, had it reproduced and sold at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, and it aired at the Lindo to packed houses during the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth. It was also shown at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. He spent many years trying to locate a huge flag that had been sewn by local women in 1858, and after giving up decided to have it replicated and Nelda Worthington sewed the new flag. It has been displayed at many public places including the Freeport Public Library, 9 East Coffee, and the Union Dairy. It is currently looking for a permanent home.
Gus was a member of Big Brothers, enjoying a 45 year relationship with his Little Brother Pat. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, High 12, the Masons, Elks, Eagles, and Shriners. He was very active in the Highland Area Garden Club, the Golden K's, Quota Club, and ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Gus and Margo wintered in South Padre Island, TX. When there he volunteered at grade schools in Port Isabel, teaching chess- and continued that work in Freeport. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He was preceded in death by Margot, his parents, one brother, and two sisters. Surviving are a sister, four daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his Little Brother.
Gus will be interred at 11 a.m. on June 30th, Grace Episcopal Church, 10 S. Cherry Street, Freeport, with a luncheon to follow in the church basement. Attire is casual! Gus would like you to come as you are - from the golf course or gardening, as he would have. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Freeport Community Public School Fund, PO Box 778, Freeport, IL 61032. Phone 815-232-0308 or online at http://www.fcpsf.org/
Gus married the love of his life, Margot Mathey of Galena, IL. They moved to Freeport, IL to establish a leasing department for Jack Myers at Myers Ford, Myers-U-Drive. Gus expanded the department until his retirement. Gus didn't have hobbies, he had passions: sailing, gardening, photography, Abraham Lincoln and history were just a few. He loved researching a topic that had been abandoned or overlooked. From a photo in Lost Freeport he noticed a marquee about Young Lincoln, a film by Thomas Edison. After finally locating it he purchased the rights to it, had it reproduced and sold at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, and it aired at the Lindo to packed houses during the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth. It was also shown at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. He spent many years trying to locate a huge flag that had been sewn by local women in 1858, and after giving up decided to have it replicated and Nelda Worthington sewed the new flag. It has been displayed at many public places including the Freeport Public Library, 9 East Coffee, and the Union Dairy. It is currently looking for a permanent home.
Gus was a member of Big Brothers, enjoying a 45 year relationship with his Little Brother Pat. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, High 12, the Masons, Elks, Eagles, and Shriners. He was very active in the Highland Area Garden Club, the Golden K's, Quota Club, and ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Gus and Margo wintered in South Padre Island, TX. When there he volunteered at grade schools in Port Isabel, teaching chess- and continued that work in Freeport. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He was preceded in death by Margot, his parents, one brother, and two sisters. Surviving are a sister, four daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his Little Brother.
Gus will be interred at 11 a.m. on June 30th, Grace Episcopal Church, 10 S. Cherry Street, Freeport, with a luncheon to follow in the church basement. Attire is casual! Gus would like you to come as you are - from the golf course or gardening, as he would have. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Freeport Community Public School Fund, PO Box 778, Freeport, IL 61032. Phone 815-232-0308 or online at http://www.fcpsf.org/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gus Petrakis, please visit our flower store.
Services
Memorial Service
June
30
Grace Episcopal Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Gus Petrakis's Guestbook
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