Ted G. Koconis

Ted (Trifonas) G. Koconis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, at the age of 99.

Beloved husband for 69 years of Barbara (nee Bratcher). Dear father of Deborah L. Koconis (Mark Unak), Thomas T. Koconis, and Julie A. Koconis (Todd Pruess). Further survived by brother-in-law Spiros Siaggas (widower of sister Joni “Cookie” Siaggas), and many Koconis and Bratcher Family nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents George T. Koconis and Sophie P. Koconis (nee Konstadopulou); sister Diana Kalyvas and brother-in-law Frank “Gelly” Kalyvas; brother James Koconis; brother Thomas Koconis and sister-in-law Bernadine “Bea” Koconis; sister Joni “Cookie” Siaggas; parents-in-law Frank T. Bratcher and Marguerite E. Bratcher (nee Shoot); sister-in-law Jacqueline Parker and brother-in-law Elmer Parker; and brother-in-law Frank “Buddy” Bratcher.

Ted grew up between Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, and in 1943 he graduated with honors from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee, where he was class president and captain of the Service Club. Following his high school graduation, he served in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he attended Wisconsin State Teachers College-Milwaukee (later known as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee). He left college after his junior year to accept a job offer he said he could not refuse.

After leaving college, Ted started work in the point-of-purchase display advertising industry. He worked first for the newly-founded Display Corporation in Milwaukee, then moved to a similar firm in Chicago. Finally,  in 1955, he moved to another Chicago firm, Arvey Corporation, where he was a long-term employee serving in its display division as Arvey’s sole Milwaukee-area representative. When Arvey decided to close its entire display division in 1983, the Milwaukee branch under Ted was its only profitable branch. In 1968, while still with Arvey, Ted founded a small manufacturing company called Koconis Corporation to handle orders that were too small for Arvey. It was a true family business, with his brother, Tom, serving in a long-standing executive role; his brother, Jim, as legal counsel; and his wife, Barbara, in-laws, children, and many of his nieces and nephews working in the business at one time or another. Over time, Ted grew Koconis Corporation to take over Arvey’s Wisconsin-area business when Arvey closed its display division. After 35 years, Ted sold Koconis Corporation in 2003 and then worked for the buyer for 3 years to help assure a smooth transition. He retired in 2006 at the age of 82 and said he would never wear a tie again.

Ted was a born leader in all aspects of his life. A natural athlete, in his school years he played football, softball, and tennis when his family did not need the additional income he could provide by selling newspapers on Wisconsin Avenue. He continued to play softball into middle age. He and Barbara played both singles and doubles tennis as members of Highlander Elite Racquet Club. He was a regular bowler in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) men’s and couples’ leagues. He also bowled in Bowlero’s senior leagues, including for a time with his sister Diana. In 1998, Ted became a Wisconsin Senior Olympian in bowling with gold medals in men’s singles and mixed doubles. In 2018, he and his family celebrated Father’s Day with a bowling outing at his request, where he proceeded to whup everyone (as he knew he would). He and Barbara were long-time members first of West Bend Country Club and then of North Hills Country Club, where in 1991 he had a hole in one on the second hole while golfing with Barbara.

Ted was also an artist throughout high school, and he majored in art in college. He signed his art using his baptismal name, Trifonas.  He continued to draw and paint throughout his life, often giving away his pieces to admiring family members and friends.

Ted was an avid card player — poker and gin rummy in particular – and played with church and other friends, business clients, and family. He was a soft-hearted animal lover and particularly enjoyed the many cats that claimed ownership of Barbara and him over time. He had a green thumb, and his neighbors would recognize him as a master of the snowblower and the riding lawn mower.

Ted was a life-long member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Throughout his life, Ted remained devoted to his parents and siblings and maintained many close friendships from his childhood and school years.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Ted in his final years, including Dr. John Sanidas; the staff of the Wellness Center, rehab floor, and physical therapy department at Saint John’s on the Lake; Legacy Hospice Cares; and Aurora Zilber Family Hospice. Additionally, the family would like to thank Father Ciprian Sas of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for his many kindnesses.

He will always be loved, missed, and held in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ted’s name may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 9400 W. Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225 (for more information, 414-461-9400)

May his memory be eternal.

In accordance with Ted’s wishes, a private service for the immediate family has been held.  In lieu of a public funeral, a memorial luncheon in honor of Ted will be held at a date to be determined. Details will follow on the Krause Funeral Home website.