George Alafouzos

George Alafouzos, 80, Wausau, WI passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston after a long history with heart disease. He was born March 1, 1940 in Athens, Greece, son of Demetrius and Marina Georgacas. George immigrated to the US (Grand Forks, North Dakota) from Athens, Greece in 1954.  He started 9th grade in the fall of 1954 at Central High School in Grand Forks, speaking very little English.  His beloved stepmother Barbara helped him to learn the new language.  He easily formed many close friendships during this time, which helped him succeed and transition to life in the US. His friendship with fellow classmate Gary Swanson whom he met early on, has been lifelong.  It was at the University of North Dakota where he met Bonita in the madrigal choir.  He graduated from UND with a degree in Art Education. On June 1, 1963, he married Bonita “Bonnie” Peters at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN.  Bonnie's family quickly also became his family as he spent time on the Peters farm in Viking, MN.  He was grateful to be accepted and loved by his new family. George and Bonnie moved to Wausau, Wisconsin to begin their teaching careers in 1963.  George started as an art teacher at John Muir Junior High School, and continued working as an elementary art teacher for the D.C. Everest Area School District, and later for the Stevens Point Area School District until retiring in 2002.  Many lifelong friendships were made during his 37 year teaching career. The birth of his 2 children was the joy of his life and he considered them "miracles".  George and Bonnie traveled several times back to Greece to visit his mother Marina and the relatives.  Tony and Alexia would join on subsequent trips.  He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed travel. He truly loved being a part of the Marathon County Historical Society for 55 years as a volunteer docent for the Historical Museum (The Yawkey House), and most recently at the Woodson History Center.  He also enjoyed being a member/volunteer of the Rib Mountain Lions Club, the Marathon County Historical Society, the Wisconsin Valley Coin Club, and the Wisconsin Education Association Council. Among his favorite pastimes, he loved history, antiques, classic cars and car shows, and deer hunting in the Dells with Randy Sus.  George always enjoyed returning to Bonnie's hometown of Viking, MN to see his many friends and relatives.  He especially loved hanging out at the Viking Diner to catch up with the breakfast crowd! Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Bonita “Bonnie” Alafouzos, Wausau; son, Tony Alafouzos (Kristina Schuldt) Eau Claire, WI; daughter, Alexia Gossett (Ryan Gossett) Wausau; granddaughters, Ella and Wren Gossett; siblings and families: Sister, Kaliope “Popy” Georgacas, Athens, Greece; nephew, George Georgacas (Alexia) great nephews Jason and Kimon; Sister, Anne Conn, San Diego, CA, niece Gwen; Brother, Christopher Georgacas (Sue) Mahtomedi, MN, niece Lauren, and nephew Alex; cousin, George Liatsos (Eleni) Sanford, FL, and many cousins in the US and Greece.

He is further survived by his brothers-in-law, Gary Peters and Jerome Peters (Cheryl) Viking MN; sister-in-law, JoAnn Peters, Viking MN; and many nieces and nephews in Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his father, Demetrius Georgacas; mother, Marina Alafouzos; stepmother, Barbara Georgacas; Uncle Gus Georgans; Uncle Homer Georgacas; Aunt Sophia Liatsos; Aunt Barbara Barkulis; grandparents in Greece; mother-in-law, Selma Peters; father-in-law, John Peters; brothers-in-law, Donald Peters and Wayne Peters; and sister-in-law, Fern Peters. A private family service was held.  A public memorial service will be planned at a later date at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rib Mountain Lions Club, Woodson History Center, Marathon County Historical Society, or Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.