Louis George Stratakos

Louis George Stratakos, 75, of Ocean Springs, passed away Friday, March 13, 2015. Louis was born in New Orleans, LA on June 29, 1939. When he was about 4 years old, the Stratakos family found their way to Fountainbleau, where the roots have grown deep. He was so very proud to see the family come full circle and see his son and family back on the family land where his childhood was spent. The love story of Louis and Monika started when they met while he was stationed in Germany. He returned to the United States with a devotion to his country but also with a blue eyed, blonde headed wife on his arm. They were married in Frankfurt, just before his transfer back. After serving in the Army, he started working at Ferson Optics and then started his 30 year career in 1972 with Ingalls Shipbuilding. In the late 70s and early 80s, Monika and Louis were quite active in the Mardi Gras crews, LaFemmes, the Revelors, and Merry Makers. They were also part of the German Club, Germania. There wasn’t a party around that they were not part of!! Louis profoundly believed that the success that the Saints had over the past 30 years was directly related to his attendance at the games and his Sunday armchair coaching, with his occasional outburst at the T.V. He was such a devoted NASCAR fan that if his son’s wedding had been 2 hours later, they would have had to move the date. During the last couple of years, Louis fought a valiant battle with cancer. His body was tired but is no longer in pain. The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Light for being such an amazing support during this time. Louis is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Evelyn Stratakos; and sisters, Beverly Witt and June Mandel. Louis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Monika Stratakos; son, Keith (Kimberly) Stratakos; two grandchildren, Samantha and Zale; brother, Frank and sister, Fran (Howie) all of Ocean Springs; brother-in-law, John Witt of California; and six nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Christus Victor Lutheran Church, which Louis was a member of, 2755 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; or to Hospice of Light, 3535 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 in his memory. Services will be held at Christus Victor Lutheran Church on Hwy 90 in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Friends may visit 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.