Donna Kerekes

Jackson resident Donna Jean Bowlus Wolfe Kerekes died at home March 4th surrounded by her family. The following was provided by her children. Donna was born October 1st 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to Bruce Bowlus and Ada Keefer. She was the middle of three girls; all a year apart. Donna and her sisters were raised in Toledo, Ohio. Summers were spent in the Irish Hills of Michigan. Up in the cabin there were 2 beds and 3 girls; so who got the single bed was often of dispute. This continued into their teenage years as the girls, so close in age, fought over clothing, boys and most anything else. While in high school the family moved to Panama where Bruce was stationed until the bombing of Pearl Harbor when all families were evacuated Donna graduated with honors from Scott High School (where her sisters described her as the teachers' pet); and continued her education at Toledo University. There she was active in tennis and belonged to the Chi Omega Sorority. Her daughter Diane still recalls the almost impossible to return slice serve that Donna, with a little smile, would barrel over the net at her. Donna acquired a business sense at an early age; buying penny candy with her allowance; while her sisters would buy a more expensive piece of candy. Then when they ran out she would sell her penny candy for a dime, pocketing the profit. Following college Donna worked at Owens Illinois the glass and container making company located in Toledo. She married her first husband Dwight Wolfe after the war. Donna and Dwight moved to New York so Dwight could complete a master's degree at Colombia U. Donna gave birth to four children, John, Dennis, Diane, and Marianne; occupying her time as a mother and homemaker. During that time the children recall lazy days on Jones Beach, adventures to the Chrysler Building (where their father worked), climbing the steps in the Empire State Building and family vacations to Cape Cod and Florida. Donna and her family moved back to Toledo in 1961, after the birth of Marianne. Back in Toledo son John recalls all the baking and gourmet dishes that Donna prepared for the family. Many Italian recipes brought back from friends in New York; along with Sunday afternoon dinner. Diane remembers homemade noodles and decorating Christmas cookies and cakes. Donna's sister Bobbie recalls the many operas they attended. The children recall waking up Saturday mornings to Karl Haas' program of music reverberating throughout the home. Donna spent her recreation time playing golf, cross country skiing and bird watching. She was a member of the Toledo Ski Club and traveled with them on ski trips to Zermatt, Yellowstone and Michigan. She was an avid birder and could recognize many birds by their song. She returned to work at Owens Illinois as an executive secretary when her children were in high school. There she worked until retirement at age 65. After retirement Donna married Michael Kerekes and they moved to Citrus Springs, Florida. The both loved to dance and listen to music. They travelled around the state of Florida and always had a welcome home for their children and grandchildren. Over the years Donna had many visits with her daughter Diane in Jackson Hole. She always loved the mountains. After her mother passed in 2003 Donna decided to move to Jackson with her other daughter Marianne. Here they got to know the local trails; and spent many days up in Grand Teton Park, the Gros Ventres and Yellowstone; bird watching, swimming and hiking. Donna is survived by her two sisters BJ Smitley (Lee), Barbara Johnson; her children John Wolfe (Moab), Diane Guslander(John)-Jackson and Dennis Wolfe (St. Pete Beach, FL); her grandchildren Zachary and David Guslander, April Wolfe Hyatt (Toledo); her great grandchildren Daniel Wolfe and Brayden Hyatt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Ada, her daughter Marianne and both husbands, Dwight Lyman Wolfe and Michael Kerekes. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 16th at 11:00am at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole. A light lunch will be served afterward. Memorial contributions may be made Donna's name to the Senior Center of Jackson Hole.

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