Theodore “Ted” Gianakos Sr., 76, of Kenosha passed into eternal life on January 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
The son of George and Monica (Seymour) he was born on March 26, 1948 in Milwaukee, WI, into a very large and loving family that remained close all of their lives.
Sisters Christine, Dolly, Rosie, Marilyn, Mary and brothers George and Tommy. When there were family gatherings, you can bet there was some type of card game going on. Ted was raised in the Kenosha area, attended local schools and built lifelong friendships. He spent a great deal of his youth playing sports with many of those friends and occasionally getting into a little mischief with them as well.
In 1965, he met the love of his life, Gerty (Gertrude Wermske), and they married on November 26th , 1966, just recently celebrating their 58th anniversary. Not long after they were married, they had a son, Teddy, and two amazing daughters, Julie and Cheri. He always made sure to love them in his own way, coaching their sports teams, taking them on fun trips, but mainly always being there for them if and when needed.
Ted was a proud veteran of the Unites States Army. He held many different jobs, but was an entrepreneur at heart, owning a pizza restaurant, arcade, and aiding in the development of the “Slot Slinger”. He owned and operated Mattress Express before he retired. He loved going to the casino (losing more than winning), playing cards, watching his grandson, Zach, play football, rooting for the Packers and Brewers and most importantly spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandson Thomas. He was very proud of his grandchildren and never missed a birthday, always leading the family in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday”. Grandpa Pepsi will be missed by his wife Gerty, children: Ted (Michele) Gianakos, Julie (Yeiner) Arciniegas, and Cheri (Michael) Steck, grandchildren: Sarah (Jon), Marissa, Alicia, Matthew, Zach, Jenna, Brandon Gianakos, Max Lusiak, great grandson Thomas as well as his surviving sister, Mary Painter, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father George and Monica Gianakos, Sisters Christine Isham, Delores Sepanski, Rose Mary Michel, Marilyn Zelinski, and brothers George and Tommy Gianakos.
As per the family’s wishes, services will be held privately.
