Eleanor Louise (Kolasa) Kucharek Kuras, age 93, left to join the Heavenly Kingdom on June 29, 2021, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan.
Eleanor was born in Elmira on February 13, 1928, to Louis and Stella (Franckowiak) Kolasa. Her father died before she was born. Eleanor lived a full and happy life with her mom and stepfather, Frank Prusakiewicz, on the family farm. She had many fond memories of her beloved mother Stella, who was killed in a car accident when she was young.
She cherished her brothers and sisters and enjoyed being the oldest “sis”. Many stories were told of their walks to the local schoolhouse, and how Eleanor spoke only Polish for the first few years of school.
She regaled her family with stories of fudge making, her sister Betty playing the accordion and piano, and her brother Don working the fields. Their farm was primarily a potato farm. Eleanor often spoke of the hard work and the joy of being a close-knit family.
She helped her parents on the farm until she married Nicholas Kucharek of Elmira, November 10, 1947. They lived in the suburbs of Detroit where she had many small jobs but was devoted to raising her young sons. She loved telling stories of her time in Detroit and her job at Good Humor Ice Cream. She also worked at Standard Products for a time and was an Avon lady, among other direct sales.
The family returned to Northern Michigan and resided at the Kucharek family farm in Elmira. They spent over 30 years working side by side. Although she fancied herself a “city girl” she took to farming. She named her chickens, her favorite turkey, and her many cats. Three daughters joined the family in subsequent years.
Eleanor was Polish and it was rare to not have the Sunday polka station tuned in. She was a hard worker but was ready to share a laugh and a good time.
Her favorite things were berry picking and going to the beach for an old-fashioned picnic. She loved rock hunting, going to the Upper Peninsula for smoked fish, fishing, traveling, and gardening. She also loved the holidays, baking sugar cookies from scratch, and many Polish recipes.
She had a large extended family who spent hours around the kitchen table, coffee cups in hand, speaking Polish and laughing.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas in 1982. She later married Edward Kuras of Gaylord. They spent over 20 years together.
Eleanor is survived by her children, Robert George Kucharek (Dawn) of Sanford, MI, Mark Thomas Kucharek of Houston, TX, Judith Sumner Holman (Dave) of Naples, FL, Michelle “Mitzy” Walker (Gary) of Charlevoix, MI; her beloved grandchildren, Nicolas (Megan) Kucharek of Franklin, TN, Angela Wehner of Avondale, AZ, Zachary Kucharek of Grand Rapids, MI, Nicole Wehner of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan “JJ” (Kenzie) Wehner of Gaylord, MI, Grant Walker of Charlevoix, MI, Garrett Sumner of Naples, FL, Mitchell Kucharek, of Detroit, MI, Savannah Walker of Petoskey, MI, Trenton Kucharek of Houston, TX, Hunter Kucharek of Houston, TX, Logan Holman of Naples, FL, Hannah Kucharek of Houston, TX, Jordyn Holman of Naples, FL; her first great-grandchild, Callan of Franklin, TN; siblings, Donald Prusakiewicz, (Sandy) of Gaylord, MI, and Elizabeth “Betty“ (Don) Nester of Indianapolis, IN; sisters-in-law, Pat Prusakiewicz, Jeanette Prusakiewicz, both of Gaylord; and more nieces and nephews than one could count.
In addition to her first husband, Nicholas Kucharek, she was also preceded in death by her second husband, Edward Kuras in 2005; her beloved daughter, Sandra (Kucharek) Wehner Metzger in 2020; and her brothers, Edward Prusakiewicz and Bernard Prusakiewicz.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Elmira, on July 8, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery in Elmira.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlevoix County Humane Society for the care of their cats.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
6 comments on “Eleanor L. (Kucharek) Kuras”
Condolences to Eleanor’s family.
May she RIP.
We will miss you Aunt Eleanor. Earth has taken another Angel home. I will always cherish that beautiful lady I got to call my Aunt. Love you.♥️
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of the family and friends of my Aunt Eleanor. She was so sweet and always had a smile on her face! May she now Rest In Peace and fly with the angels of her family (Uncle Nick and Sandy)! Hugs
Kathy & Terry Avenall
My condolence to family and friends. R.I.P, Eleanor Kucharek.
I sure will miss my only sister and her sweet smile. She was a wonderful cook and loved pleasing everyone’s appetite. Eleanor loved her ‘get-aways’ to Florida, for several mid-winter vacations. I’m so glad she enjoyed that, as she was a busy woman when home. I will miss having that cup of coffee with her and chatting, just about anything. May God wrap his arms around you, Eleanor, and may you be in His Glory. Until we meet again .. but I will miss you forever and ever.
Son Mark Kucharek and Family in Texas would like to dedicate this Vincent Van Gogh Quote:
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
Mother, Grandmother to some, she LOVED Many Things in Life; like the Indy 500, Vacations to Aunt Betty and Uncle Don’s, Going to Mama Leone’s Italian Restaurant with Owners Sil and Tina , celebrating Life with Friends and Relatives, Attending Summer Lake Picnics, Local Fairs, and K of C and Eagle Events, and many Weddings with Beautiful Flowers. That, Mom Loved and shared with Family and Friends.
God Bless You Always Mom and Grandmother,
Mark, Trent, Hunter, and Hannah.