Kostas Tsantir

Kostas Tsantir passed away December 25, 2024 at the age of 87 in St Paul, Minnesota.

Kostas was born Feb 2, 1937 in Patras, Greece to Kleanthis and Anna Tsantiroglou. At age 19, Kostas set off for a new life in the United States and settled in Mankato, Minnesota to attend Mankato State University. There he met his wife of 63 years, Naomi, through their mutual love of dancing. They were married in 1961. 

Kostas worked at Pillsbury as a food scientist until 1979 when, after developing a snack product called “Wheat Nuts,” he started his own company called AnaCon Foods. AnaCon grew and eventually acquired Bowlby’s Candy company in Waupaca, Wisconsin. 

Kostas was a loyal husband, loving father and grandfather, avid sports fan, and dedicated parishioner of St George Greek Orthodox Church in St Paul, MN. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his membership and leadership roles in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Through his life, worship, and work he developed deep friendships. All who knew him will remember his warmth and especially his laughter. 

Kostas is survived by his wife Naomi; his two children Anna and Dean (Stacey) Tsantir; and his five grandsons, Theron, Michael, Ethan, Cameron, and Theodore. 

Memorial Services: 

A Visitation will be held January 3, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm with the Trisagion prayer at 6:30, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home1167 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 10am on January 4, 2025 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church  1111 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 followed by a burial at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Northeast Minneapolis. 

Flowers can be sent to Willwerscheid Funeral Home: 1167 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Donations can be sent to St George Greek Orthodox Church: https://www.stgeorgegoc.org/give  or AHEPA: https://ahepa.org/donate/