A. Steve Kereakos - Rochester
A. Steve Kereakos, 72, of Rochester, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Rochester Methodist Hospital.
Aristides Steve Kereakos was born Sept. 20, 1940, to Nick and Christina (Papadopoulos) Kereakos in Rochester. 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 Aug. 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. 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 four times; NJCAA Region XIII Coach-of-the-Year two 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 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, with the Rev. Father Mark Munos officiating.
A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, with a 7 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 N.W., Rochester, MN 55901. 507-289-3600.