Leo Dick Drelles' Obituary
Leo Dick Drelles died early Sunday morning, January 18, 2015, passing peacefully as he slept. Born February 11, 1931 in Muskegon, MI, he was the youngest of 9 children born to George and Theodora who made their way to the U.S. from Greece. As a teen he attended Morgan Park Military Academy and flourished as an athlete and an academic. Home on college break, working at his family’s restaurant he caught sight of a beautiful, petite blonde by the name of Nancy Johnson. That day she stole his heart. They were married on April 4, 1953 in Muskegon. He finished up at U. of M. and served in the military in Europe. He returned to the states and eventually started, with the help of his brothers and father, a restaurant at the airport called “The Horizon Room” and later, “The Drelles Sandwich Shop.” Leo also answered to Zeke, Clem, Lee, and Dick. He loved to play basketball in heated contests with his sons and their friends on their driveway court (ironically across the street from Hackley Hospital’s quiet zone). These same friends recall him as “one of the most influential people in my life,” and cried when they heard the news of his death. A tall, lanky, rugged, handsome man, he loved the freedom and challenge of hunting and fishing. Always active, he played tennis and golf as well as basketball. He taught himself to paint and became an accomplished artist. Most of all, he loved to engage people. He was unwittingly direct, annoyingly persistent, and hysterically funny. There was so much energy and intelligence crammed into his soul it was hard not to love him. So that’s what we did. He is survived by: his wife, Nancy; 5 children, Deborah (Rick Anderson), Steve (Lori), Paul (Laura), Monique Drelles and B.J., and Bryan (Evan Wingate); 7 grandchildren, Jeremy Anderson (Michelle), Jasmine Anderson (Chris Chaney), Rachel Drelles, Tyler Drelles (Taylor), Jacob Drelles, Megan Ditty (Aaron), and Lee Drelles; and 3 great-grandchildren: Leo and Ava Anderson, and Luna Drelles; 2 brothers, Tony Drelles and Speros (Marie) Drelles. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Lee Drelles; 2 sisters and 5 brothers. In accordance with Leo’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Harbor Hospice. Share memories or visit his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, (231) 798-1100.
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