Gregory John Makowski (Greg), age 68, of Lake Mary, Florida passed away Sunday, March 16,2025 at Arden Courts of Winter Springs
Greg was born on July 5, 1956 in St. Louis, MO, to the late Mary Ann (Kreikemeier) and Walter Makowski. Greg married Theresa (Alemond), on September 30, 1978 in St. Louis, Mo.
Besides his wife of 46 years, Greg is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Thomas and Andrew John; and two beautiful grandchildren, Elijah and Mila Makowski. Greg is also survived by his loving siblings, Robert Makowski, Carol (Clay) Miller, Tom (Ellen) Makowski, Kathie (Mike) Faszold, John (Jennifer) Makowski and Tim (Maria) Makowski. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Greg graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. While attending SIUE he played four years of collegiate soccer where he was a three-time, first team All-American for his beloved Cougars. Greg along with his teammates led SIUE to two national semifinals in four seasons. From 1977 to 1981 Greg was the team captain of the U.S. Olympic soccer team; he was also a member of the U.S. National team from 1978 to 1982 where he earned 14 caps. In 1978, Greg was the number one draft pick in the NASL (North American Soccer League) being selected by the Caribous of Colorado professional soccer team. He went on in his soccer career to play for several professional teams and was an MISL All-Star from 1983 to 1985 with the Kansas City Comets. While playing for the Comets, Greg attended Rockhurst College where he earned his Master’s Degree in Business. After retiring from professional soccer, Greg continued to excel in various St. Louis area leagues, playing on two Over-30 national soccer teams for Budweiser.
Greg and family moved to Lake Mary, Florida in 1994 where he continued his career in consumer sales. He was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church where he was involved in fund raisers and coaching youth soccer. Greg continued to be very active in various sports, such as tennis, golf, ping pong, biking, rollerblading, pickleball etc.
Along with his faith, Greg’s family and friends were a significant part of his life. Greg loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and truly enjoyed spending time with them. He was the instigator of many shenanigans and fun-loving times.
We don’t see this as the end of life, but rather the beginning of many amazing memories for all.
Visitation & Funeral Mass
Visitation and Funeral Mass to be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 4900 Ringer Road, St. Louis, MO 63129. Visitation at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, with Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 pm. Interment private. Celebration of Greg’s life continues with lunch immediately following Mass at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following in Greg’s name:
Alzheimer’s Association – alz.org
Tunnel to Towers Foundation – t2t.org
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Greg always made me feel welcomed in the Makowski family. I have fond memories of him. Saddened for this loss and wrapping you all in prayers.
So sorry for your loss I knew Greg when lived in Orlando. Such a wonderful man.
Dear Theresa & Family:
I am weighing in from the Lee Rowan Family of co-workers in St Louis who always appreciated Greg’s ethics, determination, competitiveness & most of all PRIDE in his FAMILY.
Greg was always a real gentleman, and a MAN’S MAN with sensitivity and understanding for all.
His prowess as a sportsman was of course well known. During fly-in’s for special meetings at Lee Rowan in St Louis, part of the hospitality occasionally was pick up basketball games sometimes. Those light duty/funnn recreational pick up games were never light duty, if Greg was guarding me. I would never get to score at all. You get my drift I bet.
Shout out also to his great family across the board, as your dedication to him matched how much he loved you.
God bless each and every one of you, his family, and his raft of friends who will always be inspired by how Greg lived his life as a class act.
Sincerely-
Charlie Lammers
Co-worker and friend of Greg and Theresa
Theresa and family,
It is with sadness to learn of Greg’s passing. I loved his joy
(and mischief! 😉)in life, always with a smile and warmth. Such good college memories! It was always good to see you both. My love, prayers, and thoughts are with you all.
Prayers to Greg and his family . He was a joy to watch for many years on the soccer field . Godspeed healing .
So sorry for the whole family. You were together for such a long time. My heart goes out to you.
When I was in NASL Atlanta, Greg was one of our players. He was a leader and a ferocious competitor on The Turner Owned Chiefs I followed his career throughout and he continued to play at a high level. He is a Soccer Legend in STL! Condolences to Theresa and Family
Terry Hanson
Eureka, Mo
Theresa and Family
I was so sad to learn of Greg’s passing today. Greg worked with me at Hudson RCI and was a true gentleman and great teammate on our sales force. Greg always had a great spirit and everyone at the company loved Greg’s dedication and drive in everything he encountered in his work. We had a great relationship and even though he left our company and moved on, he and I had a lasting friendship and respect that continued through all these years. We will keep you and your family in our prayers Theresa.
Theresa and Family, Greg was the life of the party. So much fun we all had together. His energy was contagious. He kept us always moving! An amazing man! Prayers to you and Family. ♥️
Sad . Have not seen him in 50 years but we were from OLGC / Rosary and the memory is always with me.
I am so very saddened by the loss of Greg. I remember him with enthusiasm, graciousness, and a love for his family. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Theresa and family, so sorry to hear about Greg’s passing. I always remember Greg for his boisterous laugh and kind heart. While it’s been more years than I can count since we were at SIUE, the memories remain … especially memories of those who made those years special and fun. He really was one of the good guys. Prayers for you and your family.
Greg was a great athlete and professional soccer player. He was also a great person and friend. I played soccer with Greg at Rosary High School and select ball at Norco. Also played soccer against him in college. We had many good times together especially throughout high school and college. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend !
So sorry to hear of Gregs passing. We remember him as a great neighbor and friend. Greg was always so positive in his outlook and exuded 100% confidence in approaching life. One thing was clear, he loved his wife Theresa and the boys. What a great family man. Greg will be missed by the world. He left it a bit better for his efforts God bless Greg.
My sincere condolences to Greg’s family and close friends. Greg was as nice a guy as one could ever hope to meet. Fond thoughts and a prayer.
Greg was a wonderful husband, father and friend. I had the good fortune to work with Greg for over 20+ years as well as to have him for a friend during that time. We have so many wonderful memories. He will be missed! Cindy’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Theresa, JT, and Andrew. May God surround you with His love and comfort.
Theresa. Im sorry about your loss. I just received this notice. He sure seemed like a special man and you have had many special moments with Greg in your life. God give you and your family strength in your time of sadness. Hope to see u some day.
Mark Sanders
Theresa and family: I just learned in Kansas City of Greg’s passing and wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to get to know him when I covered the Comets during the heyday of indoor soccer. When I think of Greg, I remember his powerful left foot, and the night his shot led to Gordon Hill’s six goals vs St. Louis, of all teams. His hard work on the field and affable personality made him a fan favorite, and he was a go-to guy for me when I needed a good quote for a story. May his memory be a blessing.