Thomas C. Katris

Thomas C. Katris, 87, of Munster, IN passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife of 55 years, Kathryn by his side. Born to Chris and Theofania Katris on June 21, 1927 in the village of Nestani, Greece, just outside of Tripoli, Thomas was the third youngest of nine siblings. As Thomas experienced the many hardships, dangers and struggles before, during and after World War II in Greece, he developed the strong detrmination, hard work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and the love of and faith in God and family that would shape the rest of his life. After immigrating to the United States in 1951, Thomas worked at a factory on a production line where he developed a very cost saving and efficient method of production that earned him high praise and a hefty bonus. He later formed Katris Brothers Builders Inc. with his younger brother Danny in the 1950’s. Together they built many new homes in northwest Indiana. They purchased the old Knights of Columbus Hall in East Chiago, IN and converted it into the Wishing Well Restaurant and added several apartments above it. They then purchased the Vogue Movie Theater also in East Chicago, IN. Thomas briefly returned to Greece to find and marry Kathryn on February 15, 1959, which he referred to us “the greatest moment of his life.” He always considered himself lucky to have found such a loving wife and mother to their children. In 1968, Thomas became a pipefitter and a proud Local 597 Union member until his retirement. In 1984 he and his wife purchased and operated what was later named Kathy’s Kitchen Restaurant. Together they worked seven days a week, morning and night to provide for their family. While a resident of Munster, IN from the 1950’s to the 1970’s. Thomas was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hammond, IN. From the 1980’s to 2004 he lived in Crown Point, IN and attended the St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN. He was also a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Boulder, CO. from 2009 to 2014. Thomas became a Freemason in the early 1970’s and was a member of AHEPA since the 1950’s. Thomas has a variety of hobbies. He made his own wine from grapes he pressed himself. His life-long enjoyment and passion for gardening provided loved ones and friends a never ending array of delicious vegetables. He donated his tremendous surplus to his church and a food bank. He composed poetry and many songs and was complemented for his great singing voice. He also loved to chant in church from the time he was a child. Thomas will always be deeply loved by his family for his warmth, kindness and generosity and very proud of all of his accomplishments and achievements. He lived life on his terms and truly lived life to the fullest. Thomas is survived by is wife, Kathryn (Eliopoulos) Katris; sons, Chris Katris of Munster, IN, John (Georgia) Katris of Munster, IN and Frank Katris of Plainfield, IN. his daughter, Frances (Louis) Gonis of Louisville, CO; his grandchildren, Marianna Gonis, George Gonis and Katherine Katris; his brother, Danny Katris of Chico, CA. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 3:00-8:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. Funeral service and interment will be at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Athony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4784 N. St. Joseph’s Way, Florence, AZ. 85132.