Despina M Kazas age 76 of Lincoln, passed away October 19, 2020. She was born March 12, 1944 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Mike and Stella (Venetos) Kritikos. Despina grew up in Karies, Chios, Greece. A member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln. She owned and operated Papa John’s Family restaurant in downtown Lincoln for close to 20 years, side by side with her husband John Kazas. Her patrons affectionately knew Despina as “Mrs. K”. A loving and devoted wife and mother of six children and nine grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years John Kazas, daughters Sophia Kazas, Stella (John) Kalogeras, son George Kazas, daughter Mariana (Steve) Hurst, son Michael (Catalina) Kazas, daughter Angela (Bob) Grenier, and son Ferencz Babinszki Grandchildren Yianni Kalogeras, Thespina (Tessa)Hurst, Jacoby Hurst, George Michael Kalogeras, Sofia Hurst, Gianna Grenier, Ehvie Grenier, Despina (Ania) Kazas and Ioannis Kazas. Sister Yiannoula Sarris, Sister-In-Law Stella and Pete Hametis, and Afy Kritikos. She is cherished by many nieces and nephews. Despina preceded in death by her parents Mike and Stella Kritikos, father-in-law and mother-in-law George & Sophia Kazas. Sisters Kostandina Mixailidis, Asamina Res, Stamatia Katasafaros and Brother Jack Kritikos.
Visitation will be held 5pm till 7:30pm on Thursday, October 22nd at Wyuka Funeral Home. Due to the Corona pandemic, family requests, everyone wear a mask to protect those who are vulnerable with pre-existing health care issues. Due to COVID 19, the funeral service is reserved for immediate family only. The service will be streamed on Facebook live, click on this link to watch: https://www.facebook.com/
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations are made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln, Ne. to donate online please click this link: http://annunciation.ne.goarch.org/
I love you Despina! May you Rest In Peace!
My heart goes out to all of you. Sophia, please let me know if you need anything.
I loved my aunt to the end of the world GOD REST HER SOUL . God bless you all my condolences she up there know with my mom stamatia k her sister . I love you all when i get out and a chance i will come visit uncle john i love you please be strong i see you soon god keep you safe and healthy. Your nephew Gus katsafaros
Mrs. K and her family welcomed us to Lincoln when we first moved here 14 years ago. I will always remember her acts of kindness to us. May her memory be eternal.
Our deepest condolences to the Kazan family. Our connection is through George and Mike. We have fond memories of seeing Mrs. K tending to the plants outside the Parthenon.
May her memory be eternal. We are very sorry for your loss.
Wonderful person who will never be forgotten. She raised an amazing family. God Bless you Kazas family.
So sorry for your loss. Your family has always been close to all of us. She will be so missed. God bless all of you as you go through this time.
Memory Eternal!
A huge credit to her and her husband who raised some wonderful children! May her memory be eternal!
So sad to hear this terrible news…May God rest her in peace!
Θερμά συλλυπητήρια. Γλυκύτατος άνθρωπος. Καλό Παράδεισο να έχει κι εσείς να ζήσετε χρόνια πολλά και να τη θυμάστε πάντα με αγάπη.
Despina will truly be missed! God bless you, Papa John and the family. Αιωνία η μνήμη της!
May her memory be eternal!
Sophia and Kazas family,
We are thinking of you all at this time. Sophia is a dear friend and we fondly remember our college days together and the many times we spent at Papa John’s enjoying incredibly food.
Praying for your family and sending our love.
Richard & Rhonda
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. K. What a wonderful, giving and passionate woman she was. From her days at Papa Johns to the times we ran into each other at the Parthenon she always welcomed me with a smile and open arms. May she rest in peace. Hold the memories close. May your faith carry you all through this time. Peace.
Sending love and prayers to your family. May God give you peace and comfort during these difficult days
May her memory be eternal. Sending love and prayer to the family !!
Blessings of comfort and healing to the Kazas family and the staff at The Parthenon Restaurant. Sending as much love as my heart can muster during this difficult time.