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Michael Kokolus Obituary
Michael M. Kokolus, 63 years, of Dushore, PA formerly of New Tripoli, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. He was the husband of Janice A. (Gregorinci) Kokolus for 43 years last April. Born in Northampton, PA, he was the son of the late Michael and Rose (Kochenash) Kokolus. He was self-employed and owned Michael M. Kokolus Custom Rifle Stocks, Inc. in Dushore and previously in New Tripoli for the last 30 years. Michael was a member of the VFW in New Albany, American Legion in Dushore, NRA, and Forks of the Delaware. He was of the Catholic Faith. Survivors: Wife; daughter, Michele M. wife of Steven Werley of Bethlehem; son, Michael S. and his wife Elizabeth of Northampton; sisters, Sylvia Kokolus and companion Mark Stephens of Macungie, Rosemarie wife of Earl MacCartney of Montgomery, TX and Judith wife of James Rubasky of Westland, MI; grandsons, Michael J., Alexander and Andrew Kokolus; sister-in-law Elaine wife of Robert Eisenhard of Whitehall; nieces and nephews. Services: 11 a.m., Friday, December 2, at Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., 1018 Church St., Fogelsville. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions to be made to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Place, Suite 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellerfuneralhomes.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kokolus
Roger Starnes
November 24, 2020
I hope Michael's family is doing well...
God bless all if you... 11-24-2020
Roger Starnes
November 24, 2020
I knew Michael while in the Marine Corps in 1967, we were stationed on Okinawa at the Marine Corps Combat Training area on the North end of the Island.
Michael was a great guy and very funny....
I hope his family is doing well.
Roger Starnes, Fort Worth, Texas.
Roger Starnes
November 25, 2019
Michael, took this photo of me and the ladies that helped with the Laundry at the Marine Corps Combat Training Camp on Okinawa in mid 1967. He and I were good friends and I will never forget him. God put in my heart to call Michael just days before he passed and by some miracle I found his number. It was the only time I spoke with him since Okinawa in 1967. God bless his family.
Roger Starnes, Fort Worth, TX, 11-25-2019
December 13, 2011
Janice and Family,
Marie and I are sorry for your loss. I guess it is 40 years or more since we had regular contact. We did get to visit with Michael at Maria Yuhas's funeral, but that was the last time I talked to him. When Michael was growing up and just a grade schooler or an early high schooler, we spent some time together in the acres behind the old homestead. You could tell then that he would be an outdoorsman and hunter. My favorite memories of Michael was the day he was born. Our family celebrated Christmas according to the Julian Calendar on January 7th. All the sisters, brothers, and their families gathered at my parents house on Christmas Eve and Christmas. At Christmas Eve dinner, Michael's mother, Rose and my sister, started to have labor pains and the brothers-in-law joined Michael's father in rushing Rose to the hospital in Northampton where he was born on January 6th.We always considered young Michael our Christmas Eve gift, and of course, he was the first boy in the Kokolus family and our special gift from Heaven. We will pray for all of you and that your days get better.
Uncle Tony Kochenash and Marie
Ralph DiMaio
December 12, 2011
Enjoyed hunting with Mike and is family for many years. Look forward to hunting in heaven...Ill have some great dogs!
Bob & Elaine Eisenhard
December 7, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Eleanor and Gil Stauffer
December 5, 2011
Janice, Michele, Michael...so very sorry for your loss.
George Holroyd
December 4, 2011
I too am sorry for your lose. I never met Mike but was inspired by his talent and help in my building two rifles. With his expert help... they came out pretty well.
When I heard about his cancer, I prayed for complete remission... but God has the grand plan. I feel Mike is with the Lord and is probably building really fine firearms up there.
God bless you and your family.
Julie Richard
December 3, 2011
So very sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 3, 2011
I'll miss you, my friend--Your heart was big as TEXAS!
David Wiggins
December 2, 2011
A friend from my youth, remember working on our cars, at his dad's service station.Good times,. Rest In Peace, Brother
Roger & Elaine Newhard
December 2, 2011
A friend from the early years, so sorry to hear of your loss. I have great memories of him from our younger days, may your memories comfort you.
December 2, 2011
Mike was a great guy, He always had a smile on his face. Mike's shop was a welcome place, everyone wanted to visit. He worked on a number of firearms for me and always did an excellent job. To all who knew him, will suffer a great loss. Our Deepest Sympathy, Semper Fi My Friend.
Richard Fogelman, Slatington, Pa
Jim Stanley
December 1, 2011
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mike face-to-face. But the joy and laughter we shared during our many telephone conversations are priceless. His patience with my bumbling attempts at gun stock making was much appreciated. It was obvious he had a enthusiasm for life and great pride in the true works of art he turned out of his shop. I count myself very fortunate to have come in contact with Mike and to own exquisite stocks that this talented man produced. All good to you Mike. I am so very sorry you are gone.
Jim Stanley
Bill McPoyle
December 1, 2011
A friend to many people, I was just one of them, always helpful if you needed something, always upbeat, until my last phone call, about two months ago, just to check up on him, I knew then, I would not see him at the shows anymore, I will miss him as many will!
Roger Starnes
December 1, 2011
My heart hurts knowing Michael is no longer on this earth. I had the great honor of serving in the Marine Corps with Michael and consider him a dear friend.
Good-bye for now, Michael. God has blessed you old friend.
Semper Fidelis,
Roger Starnes
Joe DeFazio
December 1, 2011
"Mike was an absolute artesan and craftsman who machined a number of stocks for me. Well beyond the business side of life he was a friend who would constantly and cheerfully tease me about being retired Air Force (Mike was a Marine). He also listened quitely when I was suffering some my own life issues and offered dignified reassurance; simply put...He made a great impact on all of us who had pleasure of his friendship, my sympathy to his family." Joseph DeFazio, MSGT, USAF, (RET)
December 1, 2011
"Mike was an absolute artesan and craftsman who machined a number of stocks for me. Well beyond the business side of life he was a friend who would constantly and cheerfully tease me about being retired Air Force (Mike was a Marine). He also listened quitely when I was suffering some my own life issues and offered dignified reassurance; simply put...He made a great impact on all of us who had pleasure of his friendship, my sympathy to his family." Joseph DeFazio, MSGT, USAF, (RET)
Daniel May
November 30, 2011
My sincerest condolences, Mike was a great man and I'll miss him immensely.
Ashleigh & Denis Cole
November 30, 2011
Janice,
We are so sorry for your loss. Michael was a very nice man and touched our hearts even though we only knew him for a short period of time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Lake
November 30, 2011
He will be missed.
Michael Behe
November 30, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing and extend my sympathy to the family!
Barry Scheffler
November 30, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts got out to your family. I had the honor of meeting Mike Sr. while on some hunting trips with his son Mike, these we truly enjoyable times. God Bless you, and may he forever rest in peace.
JoAnn, Barry, Ashley & Jarred Scheffler.
Ted Ulmer
November 30, 2011
With deepest sympathy, Mike will be missed.
Liz and Marc Horman
November 30, 2011
Michele and Janice and Family, Marc and I were sad to hear of your Father's passing. May He rest in peace now and may God bless each of you.
Kathy Fenstermaker
November 30, 2011
Sylvia & Michele,
I am so sorry to have read about the loss of your brother & Michele, your father. May loving memories stay close to your hearts during this difficult time.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Dewey Vicknair
November 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to your entire family. Mike will be missed.
JoAnne Kaiman
November 30, 2011
MY UNCLE MICHAEL
So many thoughts,
in my head.
So many things,
left unsaid.
You left that day,
without a glance.
Never knowing God,
wasn't giving you a second chance.
What was in your head,
the last moments you had.
I hope you though happy thoughts,
and not sad.
No one can evertake your place.
Your image in my heart will never erase.
As you smile one me from up above.
My mind is still sad but my heart is filled with love.
I love you uncle Michael you meant the world to me.
Betty & Danny Hujsa
November 30, 2011
Janice & Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Mike will be deeply missed.
He was a great person and always had a smile on his face. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in this time of great sorrow. God bless all of you.
Betty & Danny (Potter County)
Staff of Paragon
November 30, 2011
Our thoughts and sympathy are with your entire family. May Michael rest in peace and hopefully the wonderful memories will last forever.
Janet Kokolus
November 30, 2011
My condolences and thoughts go out to your family in this time of sorrow.
Milt Kochenash
November 30, 2011
Our deepest sympathies go out to your entire family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May He comfort your hearts.
Terri Lewis
November 30, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brian Herman
November 30, 2011
So very sorry.
Bill Fehnel
November 30, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Russ Gerlach
November 30, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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