Peter “Chef Pierre” J. Pagonis

Entered God’s loving arms on April 23, 2021, at age 72. Cherished husband of Linda (nee Boucher). Loving brother of James (Penelope) Pagonis and the late Thomas (Denise) Pagonis. Dear uncle of John and Tom Pagonis and Fiona Boucher. Beloved God Father of Aria and Brenna Shea. Special brother-in-law of Kelly Boucher. Also loved by additional family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (nee Pappas) Pagonis.

Peter was born and raised in La Crosse, WI where he started his culinary career at his father’s restaurant, John’s Sandwich Shop. He enhanced his skills, spending time cooking with his Yiayia, perfecting traditional Greek recipes. Peter, who spoke Greek fluently, spent a lifetime in the food service business. He worked for The Radisson Hotel chain, Donald Trump, and Zorba’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge. He spent eight years as executive chef at The Waukesha Eatery before leaving to open Chef Pierre’s Deli Catering. The name for Pagonis’ own establishment comes from a nickname he was given years ago, which started out as a joke. An executive chef by training, he was one of a few who had a formal culinary degree.  He was also employed at Eric’s and Docs on the Fox.

He was an active member of AHEPA Milwaukee Chapter 43, and a member of American Legion Post 449. He was patriotic and extremely proud that his father, John Pagonis, fought in WWII and was sworn in as a US Citizen. He loved watching World War II documentaries and desired to take a trip to Normandy. He enjoyed watching crime shows, especially the Godfather, James Bond, and Perry Mason as well as cartoons, and animated movies. He also enjoyed Packer games at Lambeau Field with his wife.

He looked forward to the yearly visits with family in Nashville followed by an annual vacation. He was a truly great travel companion and enjoyed sight-seeing, horseback riding, charter fishing, and golf. He was on the high school golf team and continued his enjoyment of golf and participated in regular golf fundraising outings. Most memorable lifetime trips included a honeymoon in Greece, and a wedding trip to Greece for a dear friend’s wedding, as well as the Hawaiian Islands.

One of the most rewarding and life fulfilling experiences was being a Godfather to his special Great-nieces Aria and Brenna.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Trisagion at 5:00 PM.  Additional visitation at Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, 2160 North Wauwatosa Avenue, Milwaukee, on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 12:00 PM. Funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1407 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI, on Thursday, April 29, 2021.