Name: Visitation for Dr. George J. Stagakis Sr.
Start: 2015-09-21T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-09-22T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

Stagakis Sr. Dr. George J. Of Germantown was born to eternal life on September 15, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He joins the love of his life of 50 years Gladys Stagakis. Beloved father of George (Joy) Stagakis Jr., Manny (Lisa) Stagakis and Olga (Jim) Clouthier. Treasured Pappou of Nicholas and Sarah Stagakis, Lauren (Wil) Knight and Marina Stagakis, Matthew and Sean Clouthier. George was born to John and Olga (Polaki) Stagakis in Zeigler, Illinois, on May 2, 1923. Later, his family emigrated to Chania, Crete, where George spent his growing years. George returned to the United States in 1946 to reside in New Brunswick, NJ. While in New Brunswick he earned a B.A. and a M.A. with high honors from Rutgers University. Continuing his education he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a second M.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Ancient History. It was also in Madison where George met the love of his life Gladys Peterson whom he married in 1959. With a Ph.D. in hand George entered the academic world to teach a year at Penn State University. From Penn State he then taught at University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin from 1963-1992 teaching Ancient Greek and Roman History to countless students. George was recognized as being an enthusiastic and well-organized teacher. He was honored on several occasions with the "Distinguished Teacher Award" given by the University student government body. George devoted himself to teaching but this did not diminish his unwavering commitment and love for his family. He was actively involved in the community in which he lived. Family and friends will remember George as a loving and compassionate gentleman. His kindness was felt by all those whom he touched. His passion for life and love for those around him will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls WI. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 W. Congress St. Milwaukee WI 53225. Visitation will be held Monday September 21, 2015 at Schmidt and Bartelt funeral home from 4 p.m until time of service at 7 p.m. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery, 9401 W. Donges Bay Rd. in Mequon on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Please meet at cemetery office.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for George Stagakis

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

12 Entries

Connie Gunderson

January 8, 2018

The Stagakis family all were dear friends of ours from graduate school days in Madison. My husband Lloyd Gunderson (who died in 2010) was a classics professor in Northfield, Minnesota. He had the highest regard for George's integrity and intellect as a person, classics scholar and teacher.

Collen Skott

January 5, 2018

I often thought to contact him and let him know that he was my favorite instructor ever. When the Greeks went to war he was there with them. He made Greek history alive to me. I am sorry I never told him.

jay reedy

November 5, 2016

I was his teaching assistant at UWM in 1970. He was a great teacher who cared about his students and will be much missed.

Martha Risser

September 29, 2015

George Stagakis was an inspiring teacher, and one of the UWM professors who helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life. I will always remember him fondly.

Robert Penkwitz

September 25, 2015

Dr. Stagakis was by far one of my favorite history professors at UWM. I studied Greek history with him in 1987. Never once did he have to refer to cue cards or a book. He knew Greek history very well and could recite it from memory. He was funny too. He let the students know right away that he would easily be able to detect if they had not studied for the exams. I worked very hard in his class and was one of the few that received an "A" grade for the semester. Farewell sir.

Carl Fuggiasco

September 21, 2015

Dr. Stagakis was my fave instructor in the 70's at UWM. A great man who left his pupil as someone who could teach others. Tears come to my eyes as I say I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. In honor tonight I will read from M. Cary, D. Litt. and H. H. Scullards, F.B.A. "a History of Rome" and I can think of no greater tribute. Farewell professor.

Janice Mahlberg

September 21, 2015

I had a special connection to Dr. Stagakis; there I was a freshman in a survey class listening to my transistor radio the day President Kennedy was shot. I started to cry, and he just said,"he's dead class is over."

I took every class I could that he taught; he was the example I used for being a teacher myself.

Eve Parrish

September 21, 2015

Just wanted to send a note of respect on the passing of Dr. George. I enjoyed being in his class, back in the 1960's at UWM. He certainly added drama to ancient history!

Nancy Levin

September 19, 2015

At UWM I was fortunate to have been a student of Dr. Stagakis from 1965-1969. To this day I recall being mesmerized by his lectures. So impactful that I felt that I was embedded in the glorious ancient history of Rome and Greece.

His lectures surpass any documentary or book written about ancient history. Those four years with Dr. Stagakis will always be part of my history.

GEORGE & HARA KINIS

September 18, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Julie Pearson

September 18, 2015

You, me & Winnie had many wonderful adventures together! We will miss you terribly, but you are now with Glady, PTL on your reunion!! Glady & you are a very special part of our lives for 22 years! Kiss her for us!! I Love You Geo!!! <3

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