Constantinos "Gus" Demetroulis

Gus Demetroulis, 78, past owner of the iconic Milwaukee Wiener House in Sioux City, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Iowa City, Iowa after a courageous struggle with Cancer.

Gus was born on May 19, 1939 in Velvento, Macedonia, Greece. He was the son of John and Anna (Papaspanos) Demetroulis. As a young boy, Gus worked with his father pruning and grafting fruit trees and grape vines. He also worked reconstructing buildings to anti-seismic code in several nearby cities and towns. As a young teen, Gus began one of his lifelong passions of singing and playing music. He taught himself to play several musical instruments by ear and his close-knit group of musician friends were frequently requested to play for special events. The close friendships he forged through music were maintained throughout his life until the time of his passing.

During the 1950s, Greece was struggling through post-World War II civil unrest. Out of necessity, Gus applied for a work Visa with the United States Government. On March, 6th, 1956 at age 16, he was granted the Visa and left his homeland to make a better life for himself and help provide for his parents and siblings back in Greece.

He arrived in Sioux City where he was sponsored by his uncle. After working different jobs during the first year, his uncle introduced him to several Greek business owners. It was through those introductions that he started working in a restaurant washing dishes. Gus learned by observing all aspects of the operations and aspired to own his own business. During that time, he also studied to learn English and was very proud to have achieved his United States Citizenship status. Although Gus loved his homeland of Greece, he was proud to be an American. In 1960, he and his brother-in-law, Tom Eliades, purchased the Milwaukee Wiener House from Gus Avlikos with a handshake. In June of 1961, he married his wife Vasiliki “Koula” Diavastis. Although they were both born in the same town of Velvento, Greece, they met in Sioux City in the Macedonian Club and Church choir and were married after a one year courtship. They were blessed with three children, Ann, Chris and Elaine.

Gus was a steward at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City, where he sang in the choir, cooked for numerous church events, served on the Parish Council and as Parish President. His love for his Faith was evident in his everyday life through his compassion and thoughtfulness. Gus and Koula frequently visited Orthodox parishes and monasteries across the country as they traveled for children’s sporting events, family vacations and maintaining relationships with their Greek and American friends.

Another of Gus’s passions was his love for people. His gift of hospitality created friendships and transformed the Milwaukee Wiener House into a well-known gathering place. Whether you were a farmer, police officer, teacher, executive or one of the many Greek friends, the Milwaukee became a melting pot and destination for generations of families and friends. Although he passed before this year’s 100 year anniversary of the Milwaukee, he was a co-owner for 57 of those years. After his retirement, Gus remained active in the community spending time with old friends and making new ones.

Gus was a principled, patient, humble and hard-working man. He loved spending time with his family, cooking with his wife and was a wonderful role model for all who knew him. He was a true humanitarian who was concerned for others and wanted to help them through their struggles. He served for decades on the Woodbury County Drug Court, where he counseled youth with drug and other addictions. He truly felt that his involvement could make a difference in their lives.

Gus is survived by his wife of 57 years Vasiliki (Koula), his son Chris Demetroulis and wife Tamara and their children Mikaila and Joseph of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter Dr. Elaine Demetroulis of Iowa City, Iowa; sister Nancy Selliris of Sioux City, Iowa; brother George Demetroulis and his wife Mary of Sioux City, Iowa; nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna, his brother Dimitrios, sister Katerina, brother Christos and his daughter Ann.

All Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 900 6th Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51101 with Rev. Sava Leida and Rev. Luke Melakrinos officiating. Visitation will be Sunday March 11, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Trisagion service at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be Monday March 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church/Gus Demetroulis Memorial Fund. All donations will be distributed to the Church, as well as additional charities that were near and dear to Gus’ heart.