Peter Karasis

Peter Karasis was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Anastias and Tasia (Ellinis) Karasis September 23, 1932. Peter was proud of his Greek heritage. In 1953, Peter served his country in the United States Army. It was here that he would learn how to cook. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Peter continued to work as a cook. Eventually, he would bartend for a neighborhood tavern in Chicago. This is where he would meet his wife, Violet Anderson. The couple was united in marriage January 4, 1958 and lived in Chicago for 50 years; working hard at various restaurants before opening their own. It was Peter’s hard work ethics that allowed the couple to retire early and move to a beautiful acreage in Alexandria from 1975 – 1981. Peter and Violet moved back to Chicago to be close with family, where he worked for the Marriot Hotel as a head chef. In 2002, the couple moved to Marshall. Wherever the couple was, they enjoyed spending time with others; especially playing cards, listening to music and watching movies. Peter always made time for kids and enjoyed it when they would come into the snack shop. Peter was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, after giving up on the Chicago Cubs. He also enjoyed gambling and fishing with Violet. Peter peacefully died May 23, 2013 at his residence in Marshall surrounded by his family. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Peter was lucky. He will be missed by his wife, Violet Karasis of Marshall; sisters, Mary Lamperis of Chicago, IL, Helen Georgopoulos of Northbrook, IL Georgia (Bill) Xentaris of Morton Grove, IL; brother, John Karasi of Forest Park, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends; whom were all special to Peter. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Chrissie Grivas, Demetra Himes; and infant brother Nicholas.