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Rich Lager posted a condolence
Friday, January 6, 2023
This is Rich Lager from Mountain Home, AR and see today (Jan 6th) is Pete's service which is on his birthday. Nice decision.
On behalf of the Lager family which includes my Dad (99 yrs old), we want to express our sadness of hearing of Pete's passing.
During our high school days at Morgan Park Academy, we participated in sports together and hung out most all of the time at our houses which allowed even our parents to become close friends. It was just a couple months ago that Pete called my Dad on his 99th birthday wishing him the best despite his personal eroding condition. That shows how long the family friendships have lasted.
After high school graduation, we went our separate ways to different schools and then I entered the Air Force and lost track of each other as I was living in other parts of the country. That is when my brother, Eric..and Pete picked up the relationship thru playing golf among other things. That early tee time !! They had alot of fun during those days.
Pete had his professional career, but seemed to always have time for family and friends. Obviously, Pete left us way to early, but leaves a strong family to carry on and we wish nothing but the best for them...Barb, Pete Jr and Sue Ellen.
Our prayers and thoughts remain with the family and recognize Pete for his wonderful life.
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Austin Hale posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Uncle Pete was one of the most kind hearted people I knew. He always had a contagious smile and never failed to make people laugh with his endless sense of humor. He had the impeccable natural ability to entertain everyone from the youngest children to the oldest adults. I will never forget the fishing trip we went on in Alaska when I was younger. The two of us were walking along the shore close to the resort when we stumbled upon a trash dump occupied by several large brown bears. I vividly recall wanting to get closer and closer while Uncle Pete had to wrangle in my curiosity. We both enjoyed watching the bears from a healthy but probably still too close of a distance.
Uncle Pete was also the person who made me discover as a young child that it is indeed possible to see individual leaves on a tree from a distance. I have yet to find an optometrist who provides the same level of care as he did. I'm sure there isn't a single other optometrist in the world who would let 12 year old me, who was terrified of eyeballs, spend close to an hour trying to put in contact for the first time...
Pete will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to get to know him, and I am certainly no exception.
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Mary Lou Lager posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Pete introduced me to my husband, Eric, whom he had known since his days at MPA. For that I am ever grateful. Best friend I ever had. Along with Barb and Peter, and his family, I will miss him every day.
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George Vlasis posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
While Brother Peter and I were in high school at Morgan Park Academy, we learned from our Aunt Sophie, that The Greek Orthodox Metropolises of Chicago (6 States - 61 Parishes) was holding a Track & Field Olympics in Chicago, that was open to all 61 Parish High School Students. Peter and I thought it would be fun to watch the activities and got further information. When we arrived, we discovered that it was a very well organized event with hundreds of student athletes in attendance. At the information booth we were asked what parish we were from. Our parents had been married at Saint Spyridon in the Roseland/Pullman neighborhood of Chicago (113th & South Park Avenue - now King Drive) and we had both been baptized there but neither of us had gone to Greek School, attended church services or spoke Greek. Nevertheless we told the official that we were from Saint Spyridon - a very small parish that they apparently had never before heard of. Time for the officials to conference. After showing high school ID’s, driver’s licenses and the officials researching the existence of our parish, we were told that no one
from Saint Spyridon was registered for the event - would we like to register? Do you have to register to watch? No, but you are welcome to participate, if you wish. We looked at the competition - good looking, muscular Greek kids but Peter, probably thanks to the German/Polish blood from Mother Vicki was a head taller than the others. “Peter, your the athlete - I’m your coach and manager.” I signed Peter up for 7 events - Javelin, discus, long jump, high jump, 120 yard high hurdles, 100 yard dash and 220 yard dash. To the consternation of event officials and everyone else in attendance Peter won one event after another. The only event Peter did not win (came in a close 2nd) was the 220 yard dash - the officials put Peter in the outside lane and told him, when I was not there, that he could not change lanes - oval track - Peter ran about 10 yards farther than the other contestants. Peter won 6 events and came in 2nd in the 7th event. We left after the 200 yard dash - Peter was exhausted. About 2 weeks later our Dad called each of us asking what we had been up to. The Saint Spyridon Priest had called him to say how proud the church was to receive the Olympic’s 2nd place trophy. Our father was equally proud - Out of 61 Greek Orthodox Parishes located in 6 States, Peter, the only participant from Saint Spyridon, had won the church a trophy and bragging rights, all around.
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Tyler Hale lit a candle
Friday, December 30, 2022
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My Uncle Pete stood out in the best way possible. He was a gentle man, a principled citizen, someone with a great sense of humor, a good athlete, a valued professional of his community, a nostalgia addict, and a beloved family member. Being my mom’s brother, his self-appointed duty was to be one of her most competitive rivals, but one of her best friends. From what I’ve been told, my mom learned how to stand up for herself and others from Pete; she also learned the game heads-I-win-tails-you-lose. But it did not mean my uncle was hard on her, in fact, it was far from it. As a brother-in-law, Pete sought ample opportunity to test my father of the golf course even teasing him the drivers were rigged for longer shots. Nevertheless he was always a good friend to him. If anything were to happen to my parents growing up, my brother and I were assured Uncle Pete would take care of us. We were encouraged and emboldened by my uncle to pursue our dreams and goals. In keeping with family tradition, education was a fundamental value and my uncle would remind us of its importance.
As an optometrist, Pete’s voice and affable demeanor always made you feel as if you were in good hands. Though his quality profession was to examine how people saw the world, almost everybody saw my Uncle Pete as a great doctor. Whenever he visited us, he would reminiscent on past relatives most of whom I never met or knew, for that I believe he was a big reason why I value sentimentality. My favorite memories of him will be of Alaska vacations dating back from our first trip when I was 13. Our last trip was in 2021; it was when the family knew about the seriousness of his illness but I will remember seeing him never more alive. I was able to talk to him days before his passing; he was grateful for all the good times and for being my uncle. I’ll miss Uncle Pete dearly but I know he won’t be completely gone.
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Sue Ellen Hale posted a condolence
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Peter, the best brother I could have wanted or hoped for. I miss him so much already. Childhood was filled with memories of family gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins - Peter enjoyed family holidays and birthdays. Peter's personality was charismatic even at a young age and everyone wanted to be his friend. He maintained his friendships his entire life, never wavering, always loyal. Peter loved sports and excelled in basketball, baseball, golf, and track and field. In college the person who threw the javelin didn't show up for the meet, so Peter, who had never thrown a javelin, picked it up and took 3rd place. Always the competitor and always displaying good sportsmanship were traits I admired in Peter. He spent hours when we young helping me develop my athletic abilities, patiently practicing with me basketball, baseball and golf - insisting "you never end on a miss",
In his profession as an optometrist, he endeavored to provide the best care for all of his patients by providing state of the art technology for diagnosis and treatment. As a patient of his, I enjoyed seeing his change from being my brother to his professional chairside manner.
Peter was courageous in the face of his diagnosis and fought bravely and valiantly. His ability to keep fighting and maintain his sense of humor was astonishing. His fierceness as a competitor in everything he did in life facilitated him to keep fighting that horrible disease.
Barb was the love of his life, meeting her in college and being his partner in life. He was so proud of Peter Andrew, as a loving son and his success in his career. The last 3 years of his illness have been difficult for Peter and through it all Barb and Peter Andrew did extraordinary jobs as supporters and caregivers.
Rest in Peace Peter, you accomplished so much in your life. I will miss you always,
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Michael Rogers posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
First of all, my condolences to the Vlasis family. When I was an incoming freshman at Morgan Park Academy I was lucky enough to have Pete as a friend. (Thanks to Sue Ellen too). Pete was one of the best basketball rebounders I've even seen. His positioning under the basket was always 'spot on.' He played as if he were 4 inches taller. I was fortunate to play basketball with Pete for many years after I graduated until he moved up north. Over the years, every time I saw Pete it was as if no time passed in between. He'd start 'yucking it up' immediately. What a great guy.
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Arlene Taterka posted a condolence
Sunday, December 25, 2022
It’s so fitting that I share my admiration and love for my cousin Peter on Christmas, as I have many wonderful childhood memories of him and my sister Donna, sneaking off to steal some Christmas cookies my mom was famous for baking. Particularly Spritz…that man loved a Spritz cookie. We Taterka sisters were fortunate enough to spend many Holidays with him, George and Sue Ellen. I will always remember Pete for being tall. And handsome! Full of laughter and gregarious. And he had a way of making a shy little girl feel safe, welcomed and included. He was always kind to me, but I have a feeling my cousin Peter was kind to everyone. The last time I saw him, was at Uncle Tom’s funeral at St. John Vianney church in South St. Paul, MN. And he hadn’t changed a bit! Still tall. Still handsome. Still making me feel safe, welcomed and included. Barb and Peter Andrew—I am so sorry for your tremendous loss of the most important and wonderful man in your lives. I know he will be missed. With great love from Minnesota.
Arlene Taterka & Isaac Andrew McClosky
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Chuck Krause posted a condolence
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Peter was one of my childhood friends. Our Fathers were OB/GYN drs. who had a practice together, so we were introduced to each other very early in our lives. As time went on we went our separate ways and lost touch. However, with technological advances and the help of another mutual childhood friend (thank you Bill), we reunited down here in Florida, right before the Covid outbreak hit the U.S.
We had a fun time reminiscing over a three hour lunch, promising to get together again. Soon after, he informed me of his cancer diagnosis after returning to Illinois for the spring. We talked often about updates on his condition and never once did he show anything but courage, strength, and optimism while fighting this disease. His memory of some of our earlier escapades was incredible. He brought back a part of my life I had all but forgotten, and it was heart warming to say the least.
My condolences to all his family and friends. I will miss him and I'm sure you will as well. May you rest in peace my friend.
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Wayne Thomas posted a condolence
Friday, December 23, 2022
I enjoyed many years playing golf with Pete started when Pete moved to zion great memories wonderful friend. Wayne thomas
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Jodi Petree posted a condolence
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Dr. Vlasis was one of a kind. I started as a patient when I was 15 years old in about 1979, and continued through my adult life, until he convinced me to have Lense replacement surgery, which he told me would change my life!! AND IT DID. I remember when I was a teenager, he delivered contacts to my parents house, so we would not miss our flight, after I tore a contact in the early morning hours getting ready to leave on a vacation. As an adult, I was fortunate enough to cross paths again at Rotary meetings and functions where I would see Peter and have great conversation and laughs about my eyes and he would tell me stories about my grandfather, who he also treated and became friends with over the years. Such a warm and gracious man. He will be missed by many. RIP Dr. Vlasis...
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Mary &Clyde lit a candle
Thursday, December 22, 2022
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We send our heartfelt condolences to Barbara and son Peter and family. We will miss you Pete , you’ve been a wonderful friend and neighbor. Your positivity helped your fight with cancer.
Mary&Clyde
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Carol Hale posted a condolence
Thursday, December 22, 2022
I first met Dr. Peter Vlasis at the rehearsal dinner for the wedding of his sister Sue Ellen and my son, Dr. Robert Hale. I felt then that I would have a friend for life—and I did.
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Joe Potocek posted a condolence
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Alway loved talking about golf Joe Potocek
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Lois Messina lit a candle
Thursday, December 22, 2022
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I was his nurse for 2 years. Wonderful guy. I miss him already.
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Kelly McDonald posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, December 22, 2022
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Dr Vlasis was an excellent person and eye doctor and god bless him in heaven Dannie and Kelly McDonald
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Jeannette Haines posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
My sincere condolences to Dr. Vlasis's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was a patient of his for several years and truly missed his care when he retired. He was a great and caring doctor. May he rest in peace.
Jeannette Haines
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Robert G Hale uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
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Sue and Tom Christensen lit a candle
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
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The family of Dr. Peter George Vlasis uploaded a photo
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
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