Konstantinos "Kosta" "Gus" Panagopoulos

Konstantinos Panagopoulos of Germantown, WI passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event on May 6, 2026 at the age of 80. While he was known to the local community and friends as “Gus,” he was affectionately known as “Kosta” by his family and the Greek community. His vibrant spirit and endless energy will be missed by all who knew him. Born on August 23, 1945, Kosta grew up in the small village of Xirokampos, Elias, Greece with his parents and 8 siblings in a two-bedroom farmhouse equipped with no modern amenities. Kosta was always willing to share stories of his upbringing in the village, where he tended to animals, picked olives and created his own entertainment with whatever nature provided. Despite his love for Greece, he immigrated to the United States in 1967 and put down roots in Wisconsin, where he started a family and never looked back. Family was truly the pride of Kosta’s life, as a devoted husband of 46 years to wife Niki, father to Vassilis (Megan) Panagopoulos and Ana (Spiro) Nerantzakis, and most loving Papou to his four grandchildren, Stella and Lia Panagopoulos and Dina and Themi Nerantzakis. He also maintained exceptional bonds and was a special mentor to his closest nephews, Panagiotis Panagos, Jr. and Fondas Eliopoulos. Keeping in touch with the myriad of extended family and friends both local and abroad was of utmost importance to Kosta, taking full advantage of his unlimited minute and international calling plans. Nothing brought Kosta more joy than cheering on his kids and grandkids at their many sporting events and activities, often with a level of enthusiasm and volume that was unmatched. An avid sportsman himself, Kosta was a mainstay on the golf course, playing nearly every day that the Wisconsin weather permitted. He also had a great love for bird hunting, gardening, reading and was a dedicated and opinionated fan of all local sports teams. Professionally, Kosta and his brother Nick had a long, successful career as co-owners of Corfu Restaurant in Hubertus, WI, where they shared their heritage through hospitality and home-cooked food. Forming his own definition of retirement and shedding his famed mustache and white chef’s hat, Kosta chose to remain active in the community and found fulfillment working part-time in the cafeteria at the Germantown High School, a commitment he proudly kept even on the day of his passing. He insisted that his daily interactions with others, especially with the younger generations, kept him young despite his years. Kosta truly lived a full life rich in love and joy, being surrounded by countless family members and friends in the United States, Greece and Cyprus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Falls Area Food Pantry. These gifts will continue to honor Kosta’s lifelong passion for feeding those in need within the community where our families reside. Visitation Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH (2160 N Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa) followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services Rozga-Walloch Chapel 414-281-7145