Katherine Jerelos

Although her life was filled with numerous things she enjoyed, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Katherine "Kat" Jerelos than spending time with her family. She was a loving wife and devoted mother, yet she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her richest reward. Katherine was accompanied by a strong faith throughout her entire life's journey, and it was this faith that carried her when the storms of life came her way. She was known to have a strong will, but she also blessed others with her kindhearted ways. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times want, Katherine created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will be a lasting treasure for those she leaves behind. The 1920s were an exciting time in our nation's history as innovation was fueling advancements in both the business and industrial sectors. This was the decade that saw the peak of Broadway and dance crazes like the Charleston while baseball legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth breathed new life into baseball fields all across our great land, It was during this exciting time that a young couple was delighted to welcome a baby girl into their hearts and home on January 11, 1926, Baby Katherine was the fourth of six children born to her parents, George and Mary (Johnas) Kepros, in Ludington, Michigan. She was raised in the family home alongside her older siblings, Jimmy, Bea, and Kaliopy, and her younger siblings, Tina and Jenny. In many ways Katherine experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. Her father owned and operated George's Caf in Ludington while her mother was a busy homemaker keeping her family busy pitching in with chores. Even with a business to run, spending time as a family was a priority so it was with this in mind that her father would close the restaurant on Sundays for a few hours to take the family out for a leisurely drive in the family car. When she was nine years old Katherine moved to Muskegon with her family where her father later found employment for several years at a local foundry, then later opened another restaurant called Star Lunch. Katherine and her siblings greatest pleasure was the walks to the beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. Katherine was a student at local schools, graduating from Muskegon High School in 1943. With her high school education behind her Katherine was ready for all that life had in store. She then worked as a secretary for several local businesses. It was also during this time that Katherine met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Constantine "Gus" Jerelos, and they met at a dance at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He had recently been discharged from the Army as these were the days of WWII, and although he was from Grand Rapids he came to Muskegon because his brother owned a restaurant there. After dating for a time the couple found themselves eager to establish a life together. Katherine and Constantine were married on May 16, 1948, in Muskegon. At first the newlyweds settled into an apartment in Muskegon Heights, but it wasn't long before Katherine and her husband purchased their first home on Princeton Road in Roosevelt Park. Together they were blessed with three children: John in 1949, Peter in 1954, and Karen in 1959. Gus worked at Teledyne Continental Motors while Katherine spent the early years with her attention focused at home. Traditions played an important role in the Jerelos family as there were fun-filled summer vacations up North and perch dinners on Friday nights at the Doo Drop Inn. There were also more educational and historical trips to places like Washington, D. C., on the East Coast, and to Montreal for the World's Fair. After some time their family moved to a new home at 5130 Davis Road in Norton Shores where they remained for several years. Although they didn't have a large extended family, Katherine and Gus raised their children in a loving environment, and shared many Sunday dinners with her sister "Popy" or brother "Jimmy" and families and planned many vacations around visiting her "out-of-state" sisters and families. In addition to being with her family, Katherine's life was enriched in other ways, When she was in her mid-fifties she took several business and computer classes. Katherine also worked at Buds Jewelers for several years until she retired. During their retirement years she and her husband moved to Hollywood, Florida, after their daughter, Karen relocated there. Their son, John, also came with them as he lived with them throughout his entire life. In her free time Katherine was an avid reader who also loved getting outside as often as she could - especially for walks on the beach or to go shopping, which was another favorite pastime. She enjoyed interior decorating and was an accomplished seamstress. When her granddaughters came to visit, Katherine and the family were always taking them on some sort of adventure like to the beach, the zoo, out shopping, or to the park. Katherine was a lifelong member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and during her younger years she participated in their ladies society. Life was not without times of trial for Katherine. Shortly after moving back to Muskegon in 1999 she was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 2000. Tough times were again in store for Katherine with John's death in 2007. The days, weeks, and months that followed were particularly difficult for Katherine as John had always been with her. During these years Katherines health continued to decline but she still always set goals of enjoying certain outings and especially looked forward to the mother/daughter trips to the casino. With a bubbly laughter that was contagious to those around her, Katherine Jerelos brought such joy to others. She could be strict and opinionated at times, yet these tendencies were also balanced with her warm spirit and tender touch. Katherine's love was offered without condition, and she was quick to forgive. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, she was filled with great wisdom that was freely given to those who asked. Life will never be the same without Katherine here, but the hearts of numerous others will be forever changed because of her touch. Katherine Jerelos died on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Katherine's family includes her daughter, Karen (Barry) Eifert of Norton Shores; son, Peter Jerelos of Norton Shores; granddaughters, Stacey and Katie; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Koremenos of WI; several nieces and nephews. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Constantine; son, John; brother, James; sisters, Bea Poulos, Kaliopy Drelles, and Jenny Prappas, Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, 12:00 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Steve VanBronkhorst officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Visit with Katherine's family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m, at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.