Constantine "Gus" Drelles

August 4, 1917 — February 11, 2009

Constantine "Gus" Drelles Profile Photo

Whether he was valiantly serving his country, visiting with the customers in his restaurant, or traveling with his wife, Constantine Gus Drelles consistently carried himself with honor, integrity, and compassion. He embraced each day he was given and brought light and life to those around him with his contagious joy and zest for life. It was no secret that the greatest day of his life was the day he married his beloved bride and that he viewed his family as his greatest accomplishment. The year 1917 was a turbulent one as our country was deeply involved in the War to End All Wars, WWI. George and Theodora (Trapolis) Drelles, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin were able to shift their focus from the trials around them to a joyous occasion; Theodora was due to give birth to their first child at any time. On August 4, 1917 they were indeed blessed with the healthy birth of their son, Constantine. Gus, as he liked to be called, was followed by eight siblings and was raised primarily by his mother who stayed home to tend to the children while his father worked long hours. Born into a rich Greek heritage, Gus learned the values, beliefs, and sense of camaraderie that was such a cornerstone within the Greek community. Guss childhood was laced with great trial. Like so many families during the late twenties and early thirties, his family struggled to make ends meet as our nation was held tightly in the grip of the Great Depression. Gus and his siblings learned to make the best of any situation and found joy in simple things like games that he and other children from his community invented. Gus established a strong work ethic when he started working at the age of eleven in order to help support his family. As he reached his teens, he went to Muskegon High School where he played football and ran track, even setting school track records. He graduated in 1935, ready to face the world, but his plans changed course a short time later when he was called to serve his country during WWII. He served his years in the Pacific Theatre as a staff sergeant while working in the radar unit. Upon his return to civilian life, Gus became reacquainted with a young girl in his community whose beauty and loving personality caught his eye at first glance. Her name was Kaliopy Kepros and although she had been very young when he left for the war, seemingly overnight she had matured into a radiant jewel. Their first date was on New Years Eve and they were engaged on the following Valentines Day. They were married on June 1, 1947 and took a month-long honeymoon traveling along the northeast coast of the United States continuing on into Canada. When the newlyweds returned, Gus decided to start a family restaurant based on the strong family commitment that was instilled in him when he was just a young boy. His work would soon support not only his wife but his children as well. Gus and Kaliopy were blessed with the births of four children: George, Nicholas, Pamela, and Rebecca. Gus embraced his role as a father, showering his children with unconditional love while imparting a rich heritage within their hearts. Gus continuously supported his children and took part in their world by showing interest in the things that interested them. Family dinners were an important time for sharing the events of the day. They took many memorable trips as a family. His children were thrilled that on these vacations, their father provided them with his undivided attention and his great sense of adventure. Next to his family, Guss job as a restauranteur defined who he was. Throughout the years, he owned several restaurants in Muskegon with his father and brothers. Running the family business wasnt work to Gus, it was his passion; he enjoyed greeting, meeting, and talking with the people who came through the doors, sharing his warmth with others. Even after he retired from his own restaurant business, Gus continued to work part time in the community until he was in his late seventies! There were many other interests that Gus enjoyed pursuing as well. He was a member of various clubs and organizations that brought forth his love for his Greek heritage and his kind and generous spirit as well. He loved animals, especially his dogs. His children, well aware of his soft heart for animals, often brought stray animals home that Gus would welcome with open arms. Gus was an accomplished gardener and maintained a beautiful yard and flower beds. He collected coins and stamps. In every spare moment he had, he could be found reading about the world around him. He loved learning. Being a real problem solver, Gus could fix anything using whatever he had on hand. His workshop and garage served as a playground for his grandchildren. Gus completely delighted in his grandkids and supported them in every way, just as he had with his own children. He enjoyed sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren including hunting, fishing, gardening, and the overall recognition for the splendor of nature. Gus loved spending as much time with them as he could and they were a tremendous source of pride and joy. Constantine Gus Drelles was an extraordinary man that touched the world through his kind heart and his fun-loving spirit. His Greek heritage was a cornerstone in his life and his family was his greatest delight. Gus was passionate about his work as a restauranteur and he found great joy in the majestic glory of nature. He lived to serve others and he often set aside his own needs to brighten the days of another. Gus treasured his family above all else and he spent his lifetime creating precious memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed. Constantine 'Gus' Drelles, of Muskegon, MI, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Guss family includes his wife of 61 years, Kaliopy, of Muskegon; son, Nicholas (Linda Willing) Drelles of CO; daughters, Pamela Halmich of Muskegon, Rebecca (Robert) Sanford of Traverse City; grand children, Eric, Adam, Adrian, Jacob, Kali, & Nicole. He was preceded in death by his son, George & son-in-law, Robert. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel with Rev. Fr. Catalin Mot officiating. Visit with Guss family and friends on Sunday, 4-7 p.m. and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit Guss memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, International Aids Society, or VFW Post 446 - William J Beal.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Constantine "Gus" Drelles, please visit our flower store.

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors