Jeaneen Kolokythas, 88 of St. Charles, MN, formerly of Rochester, died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Cottagewood Senior Community. Jeaneen was born August 12, 1934 in Austin, MN to Ted and Irene (Hynie) Dombrock.
She graduated from Austin High School, Class of 1952. She was married to Sotirios (Sam) Kolokythas for 12 years, during that time they moved to Patras, Greece and lived there for three years. They returned to Rochester and opened the K&M Cafe across from St. Marys Hospital. After Sam’s passing she ran the restaurant until it closed in 1973. Later she became active in the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and was one of the first staff at the Rochester Women’s Shelter when it opened in 1978. She was a group counselor for women and men in domestic violence. After attaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Winona State, she was hired by Mayo Clinic as a resident adolescent counselor. Prior to her retirement from Mayo Clinic she worked in the scheduling department.
Jeaneen was known for her witty and keen sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was always up for an adventure! Never one to sit idle she spent much of her free time volunteering for SE MN Vasculitis Foundation, support groups for HIV and with her book club.
Jeaneen loved to travel. She and Vickey took many cruises, air and road trips throughout her life. Her holiday baking was an annual tradition of Greek and Norwegian pastries.
She is survived by her partner of 41 years, Vickey Roeder of St. Charles, her three children, Shawn Fitzgerald (Margo), Nia Kolokythas (Marven Ripka) both of Rochester and Marina Kolokythas of McGill, Nevada; 7 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother-in-laws, Bruce, Greg (Eve), Mark (Kay), and Keith (Sandy) Roeder. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam Kolokythas, and sister-in-law Patsy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Christ Community Church, 4400 55th Street, NW, room 300. Please join us for cake and coffee and make sure to bring a fun story to share.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Paws and Claws or Channel One Food Bank.
Memories and condolences of Jeaneen may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
And if I go,
while you’re still here
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to it fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.
(Published in a book of poems in 1996, by The Deaton-Kennedy Company .)
Such a warm friendly person to be with. My deepest condolences to her family.
Jeaneen truly was a special person. Someone who wasn’t afraid to share her opinion whether right or wrong. Most of the time she was right! Always making people laugh was her speciality and perhaps it was her purpose in life. Between JK and Vickey they were persistent on having all kinds of gadgets….the new thing. Although we disagreed on different things she would always listen. I always enjoyed her company wherever we would meet. Having money and spending money were never a concern of hers. She lived life and in retirement enjoyed her life with Vickey. They were true partners and did everything together. The love they had for each other was amazing. Jeaneen I will miss and always love you.
Dear friend and treasured traveling companion. Jeaneen loved a good cosmo at happy hour, dining out with friends (preferably a California burger), listening to Earth, Wind and Fire anywhere, playing dominoes, taking an occasional trip to the casino, and cruising through life. Jeaneen, I will miss you terribly. Rest in peace, my friend.
There are no words to describe Jeaneen that fit how truly wonderful she is, this too is an understatement. She was a fan of many people and always had a great way of making people feel special. She was such a great support to me in my down days and a laugh and smile to brighten moments in need. Oh the laughs we shared!! I will miss all of her stories, experiences, and teachings of life. Miss you, Jeaneen. Hugs and kisses! Melinda
A most caring, thoughtful and supportive friend. Jeaneen was always willing to lend an ear and when needed, to just tell it like it was. I hold with great fondness and respect our years spent together in the service of others and casual moments appreciating life’s lighter moments. May she know eternal comfort
refreshment and light. My sincere condolences to Vickey and her family……..
Vicky I just spotted this. I am so sorry to read about Jeaneen. Always favorites of mine. I enjoyed our conversations and missed them terribly. Hugs to you!