Andrew "Hank" Drelles

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Andrew Hank Drelles than his family. He was a hardworking and honorable man who was quite the handyman, too. Hank was a devoted husband and father whose fun-loving personality was at the heart of numerous family adventures. He loved traveling, and together with his wife Dottie he saw firsthand so many of the most beautiful places around the world. He will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished by his loved ones and many friends. The 1920s were a great time to be an American. It was the decade that is commonly remembered as the Roaring Twenties when prosperity resulted from numerous advancements that transformed the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this time of discovery was the year 1923 that was filled with great anticipation for one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they were expecting a baby during the peak of the summer. Their wait was over on July 29th when the baby boy they named Andrew drew his first breath. He was the middle of nine children, or the prime cut as he referred to himself, born to his parents, George and Theodora (Trapalis) Drelles. It was as a young boy that he came to be known as Hank, although he was never sure of where the nickname came from. He was raised in the family home on Walton Street in downtown Muskegon alongside his older siblings, Gus, Martha, Angie, and Peter, and his younger siblings, James, Tony, Speros, and Leo. Hanks parents were Greek immigrants who were always proud of their heritage. His father owned and operated a restaurant nearby while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. In many ways Hank experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. As a teen he began working at the family restaurant alongside his older siblings while at the same time attending the local schools and ultimately graduating from Muskegon High School in 1942. It should come as no surprise to those who knew Hank that he was voted both the class clown and the best dressed by his senior class. With a desire to serve his country, Hank joined the United States Army during the days of WWII. Throughout his time in the military he remained stateside in the military police. After his military duty was fulfilled, Hank returned to Muskegon where he couldnt help but notice a young girl who had always lived next door. Her name was Aphrodite Dottie Danigelis and she was four years his junior. She had grown up while he was away, and Hank was smitten by her curly dark hair. They began dating, but were closely chaperoned by Dotties mother. With a desire to establish a life together Dottie and Hank were married on October 10, 1948, in a huge wedding celebration at St. Pauls Episcopal Church since the Greek Orthodox Church was not yet built. A beautiful reception followed at the Fruitport Pavilion. The newlyweds settled into their new roles as husband and wife in a little house near Mona Lake. It wasnt long before they discovered that they were to become parents. In 1950 they welcomed their son, Andy, into their hearts and home. He was followed by their daughter, Annette, in 1953, and their son, Sam, in 1956, just a few weeks after moving into their beautiful new home in Beechwood near Lake Michigan. Hank was a fantastic father who loved his children dearly. He was forever telling them that his greatest desire was that they grow up to be better than him. Hanks children quickly appreciated his handyman skills as he built them a puppet stage as well as a big model train set. There were also fun-filled family vacations to Chicago and summer trips to Glen Lake in Northern Michigan. Extended family was an important part of Hanks life as well, and he was one of several who were instrumental in organizing the numerous Drelles family reunions through the years. Hank continued in the family restaurant business beside his father and brothers. The restaurant called Drelles Restaurant and Cocktail Bar was located at 386 West Western Avenue on the main street in downtown Muskegon. Hank mainly tended bar there while some times working the front of the restaurant, talking with the customers. The Drelles family eventually opened the Sandwich Shop a few blocks down from the main restaurant. Sadly, the main restaurant was destroyed by a fire in 1963. Since the Sandwich Shop wasnt large enough to support all the brothers, Hank took a construction job during the day while tending bar at the Elks Club at night. He was a great bartender who was always ready with a joke or story. Although the Drelles brothers worked long and hard on a plan to build a hotel and new restaurant on the original property, their plans never came to fruition. During this time the Drelles brothers participated in the Horizon Room Restaurant at the Muskegon County Airport. Eventually, Hank and his brother Tony along with brother Speros Doc as a silent partner opened the Tohado House restaurant on Western Avenue. Brother Jim later came on board as head chef. Tohado quickly became known as one of the towns hot spots. Hank enjoyed attending restaurant trade shows as he was always looking for new ideas and ways to improve the business. He ultimately retired at the age of 55. In his free time, Hank was one to keep busy. He loved traveling and took several trips with Dottie to places such as Greece, Hawaii, Florida, and Cabo San Lucas. He and Dottie made numerous trips to Alabama, California, New York, Atlanta and Traverse City to visit their children and their grandchildren, who brought them so much joy. Hank also took a Windjammer cruise and a trip to Yugoslavia with his pal Buddy Friend. Hank owned several boats over the years. As an avid fisherman there were fishing trips with his brothers to Canada and a memorable adventure while in Cabo where he caught a marlin. He was also involved in his community as a member of the Muskegon Elks, the Muskegon Country Club, and served several years as president of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. In addition, Hank was very proud of being a continuous 75 year member of the Muskegon YMCA. After Dottie passed away in 2007 Hank moved to Traverse City to allow Sam and his wife Linda to help with his care. He lived the past 6 years at Orchard Creek Assisted Living just outside Traverse City. This past July he had a wonderful 90th birthday party at Orchard Creek with several family members and friends. A dear man to many, Andrew Hank Drelles was a vivacious, hardworking, and fun-loving man who put spice into the world around him. He fully embraced the days he was given while making priceless memories along the way. Hank will never be forgotten. Andrew "Hank" Drelles passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2013 with family by his side. Hanks family includes his sons, Andrew Drelles of New York and Sam (Linda) Drelles of Traverse City; daughter, Annette (Jim) Inouye of California; grandchildren, Theodora "Teddy" Drelles, Nikolas "Jinji" Drelles, Brandon (Amanda) Inouye, Meagan (Sam Simpson) Drelles, Sarah (Marty) McManus, and Derek Drelles; great-granddaughters, Norah and Amaya; brothers, Tony, Speros and Leo; and many nieces and nephews. Hank was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie; siblings, Gus, Peter, James, Martha and Angie; and godsons, Todd Drelles and Samuel Dault. Services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Steve VanBronkhorst officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visit with Hanks family and friends Wednesday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.