Chris Peter Potos

Chris Potos, 92, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin passed away on September 8, 2018.  Chris is the beloved husband of the late Lesa (nee Heinemann); loving father of Kristin, Peter, and Rachel (John Rogers); proud grandfather of Lucas and Amanda; devoted son of Peter Potos and Helen Potos Benjamin; brother-in-law to Stephen Heinemann.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by younger brothers Andrew and William, and several aunts and uncles.

Chris earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree in music from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano.  He was a member of Sigma Gamma Chi and Sigma Phi Delta honorary chemistry and engineering fraternities.  He was employed by the Milwaukee Sewerage District, the New York State Health Department, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  He taught water resources and public health engineering at the University of New York at Buffalo, and served four years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Chris was the technical advisor for the Army Corps of Engineers on two study boards:  The Lake Erie Regulation Study Board and The Great Lakes Diversions and Consumptive Uses Study Board.   He received commendations from the New York State Health Department, the City of Mount Prospect, Illinois, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Chris is a published author of 24 environmental articles.  He co-authored an article in 1971 that paved the way for the control of phosphorus discharges to Lake Erie.  Implementation of the article’s recommendations for phosphorus control resulted in huge algae reductions and the consequent elimination of anoxic conditions making Lake Erie again a haven for cold water fishery. Chris loved traveling and was an avid skier, with ski trips out west. He visited several countries, especially Greece.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, on Thursday, September 13, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, service to follow at 11:00 AM. Father David Moga and Father Bill Olnhausen of St. Nicholas Orthodox church officiating. Choir members from Annunciation and St. Nicholas Orthodox churches, augmented by members of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. Interment at Pine Lawn Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cedarburg would be appreciated.