John M. Kounelis

Passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Kalamazoo, MI. John was born October 27, 1925, in Warren, Ohio, but grew up and was raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the eldest son of Michael John and Pauline (Savage) Kounelis. He was a resident of Portage, Michigan since 1977. John led a life of volunteering in the community, leaving a legacy of community service. While he loved football and baseball, rooting for the Packers and Cubs, his life's passion had been spent helping children to enjoy Little League baseball and softball. Seeing him working at "˜his fields' for over 30 years was a rite of spring at South Portage Little League. John expanded his involvement in 1997 as District 15 Administrator for Little League where he enjoyed enhancing the sport in dozens of communities throughout southwest Michigan. He also volunteered his construction management services to the City of Portage and the Portage Public Schools assisting in projects such as the construction of the concession stand at McCamley Field. During his career, he was employed by the Upjohn Company for 23 years, Dow Chemical for 7 years, and Zanetis Oil Company for 11 years. He was proud of his work on the NASA space launch platform, projects in Venezuela, many years in Puerto Rico for the Upjohn Company, and the Dow Science Center at Kalamazoo College. He was a humble man, very proud of his Greek heritage, who loved his pets, his children, grandchildren, and family. He had an amazing life which included being drafted by the New York Yankees and working on the NASA Apollo Project. His laughter and caring smile will always be remembered, and he will be greatly missed by many. John loved and was married to Barbara Ann Billeter, his wife of 43 years, who preceded him in death on April 22, 2008. John is survived by his children, Pauline (Carlos) Macedo of Texas, Michelle (Eric VerHey) Kounelis of Leonidas, Karin Kounelis of Kalamazoo, Michael (Kristine) Kounelis of Mattawan, Jerry (Diane) Young of Iowa; grandchildren, Savannah Kounelis, Aubrey Kounelis, Christopher (Wendy) Young, Jimmy (Susan) Young, Melanie (Toby) Flynn, Marlos (Amanda) Macedo; ten great grandchildren; a brother Nicholas (Rita) Kounelis of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and a sister-in-law, Judy Kounelis, also of Fond du Lac, and many nieces and nephews. John gave to many charities in his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a brother, Alex, and a sister, Irene Goyer. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, his family would like to encourage his friends to make a donation in his memory and honor to the South Portage Little League, a Little League Organization in your community, or to your favorite charity.



Visitation for John Kounelis will be on Sunday, March 30, 2014, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, and again on Monday, March 31, 2014, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 198 N. Macy Street, Fond du Lac. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday at the church. The Rev. Peter Pappademetriou will officiate and burial will follow in Rienzi Cemetery.Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com