In loving memory of

Aristides Steve Kereakos
September 20, 1940 - October 28, 2012

ROCHESTER:A. Steve Kereakos, 72, of Rochester, MN died Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Aristides Steve Kereakos was born September 20, 1940 to Nick and Christina (Papadopoulos) Kereakos in Rochester, Minnesota.Steve graduated from Rochester High School.Steve was an all-state football player which helped him receive a full athletic scholarship to the University of Minnesota.At the U of MN Steve participated in the 1960 Big Ten and national Championship Team and 1961 and 1962 Rose Bowl Teams.He received his B.S. degree at the U of MN.He received his M.S. degree at Winona State University.On August 21, 1964 Steve joined the Army National Guard and was discharged on July 17, 1969.He married Judy Bloemendaal on March 1, 1970 in Rochester, MN.Steve worked at the State Hospital in Rochester as the Director of Rehabilitation Therapies, Quarry Hill Treatment Program as Program Director and Rochester Community and Technical College, where he was an instructor, administrator and football coach for 27 years.Steve received many awards including Minnesota Community College Conference Coach-of-the-Year 4 times; NJCAA Region XIII Coach-of-the-Year 2 times; and Rochester Quarterback Club Hall of Fame Inductee in 2003.Steve was involved with many clubs and organizations, Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church where he was President of the parish council, sang in the choir, youth director, Sunday school teacher and Greek Festival Chair; president of the Rochester Male Chorus and a member for 40 years; National M Club; UM Alumni Association Life Member; Re-organization task force and president for the Minnesota Community College Conference; Rochester Quarterback Club; Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association Board of Directors; Sertoma 700 Club; president of the Rochester Boy Choir; president of Silver Treads Square Dancing Club; and Order of AHEPA.Steve served as a volunteer for the Greek Festival, Rochester Music Guild, Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Choral, Mayo Clinic, RCTC Foundation and UM Williams Fund.In his spare time he enjoyed biking, fishing, golf, athletic events and concerts.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judy of Rochester; his son, Nicholas A. Kereakos (Carolyn Fairbanks) of St. Paul; grandchildren, Kevin A. and Kathryn V. Kereakos-Fairbanks and a brother, George Kereakos of Rochester.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church with the Rev. Father Mark Munos officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. Trisagion Prayer Service at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are directed to Rochester Area Foundation, Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, or Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600
www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Dan Kuhlman wrote on Nov 1, 2012:

"Judy, You and your family have my deepest sympathies.  Steve was wonderful person and I learned very much from him during my time with the Rochester Male Chorus.  His smile and sense of humor kept me going many times when I needed it most!   God Bless, Dan"

Pat Stephenson wrote on Nov 1, 2012:

"Judy, Thinking of you at this sad time."

Jessica Crane wrote on Oct 31, 2012:

"Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I know he has been dealing with his illness for a while. I am sending all my best wishes and prayers your way as I am sure any and all of the Master Gardeners are doing that have heard the news. May God Bless and keep you in warmth and good spirits."

Phil &Jody Vander Ploeg wrote on Oct 31, 2012:

"Judy & Family,                                                                                                             Just received notice of Steve''s  death. We wish you and your family God''s special blessing. Jody & Phil"

Greg and Dewina Kraus Family wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"Judy- We are truly sorry for your loss and are all thinking of you and asking God to make his everlasting arms of comfort ever real to you at this time. With our love and sympathy, Greg, Dewey, Abby, Kate, and Maria"

Monica and Tim wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"Nick and family, We are so sorry to hear about your dad.  We are never quite ready to lose a loved one. Our family is thinking about yours. In peace. Monica, Tim, Mira and Trent"

Gus & Arta Margellos wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"I never thought I''''d be saying goodbye to one of my dearest & closest freinds this soon, I''''m still in shock over this. Our deepest & sincere Condolences to you Judy & Nick truly he is now in the Hands of our Lord & Savior. Goodbye Dear Freind, Gus"

Lauren Rico Steffann wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"Dear Nick, I was so sad to hear of your father's passing.   Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love, Lauren"

Keith and Jenny Bloemendaal wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"Judy and Nicolas - we are so sorry about Steve.  He was such a nice guy and a lot of fun.  We have very good memories of him, including playing football in the snow at Grandma and Grandpa's.  The measure of a man is the impact he has on others and Steve's is significant.  He is in our hearts and you are in our prayers.  Rest in Peace Steve."

Ruth Kluis wrote on Oct 30, 2012:

"Dear Judy and family, Keith and I were so shocked and sadden to hear of Steve''''s passing.  Memories of the times spent with the two of you and the fun and laughter we shared when we were all in AZ, came to mind immediately.  Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and may you feel God''''s loving arms around you and may the love and support of your family and many friends give you peace.  With love and caring---Ruth and Keith"

Ann Rinehart Nelson wrote on Oct 29, 2012:

"Judy, I am so sorry for your loss.  Steve was way too young to be taken from you and your family.  Irene and OJ always enjoyed you as neighbors and friends.   My prayers are with you at this sad time. Ann (Rinehart) Nelson"

Paul Thein wrote on Oct 29, 2012:

"Steve was a great man and a true mentor to me and many other young men who grew up in the Rochester area. I feel blessed to have known him, learn from him  and be a part of his wonderful coaching staff. Under Steve's leadership we won back-to-back State championships for RCC (now RCTC). More important than the Championships won on the field were the Champion people Coach Steve helped groomed. He was a gentle giant, a compassionate teacher. He cared greatly about others and instilled in them core values and character... Thank you coach, you will be missed but never forgotten! We all owe you! Paul Thein"

Cindy and Joe Forrer, Antony and Stefan Hakim wrote on Oct 29, 2012:

"Judy, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Steve was one of our favorite people at Holy Anargyroi, and we will miss him greatly.  He was such an outstanding individual - and will long be remembered for his selfless dedication and constant service to his family, his community, and God.  May his memory be eternal. Cindy, Joe, Antony, Stefan & Quinn "