Valerie and John Kosa attend fish fries in St. Joseph Catholic Church for almost 50 years. Enjoying the March 1 fish fry are, from left, Valerie Kosa, John Kosa, Rose Wos, Gloria Modliszewski and Frank Modliszewski. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)
BY SHERI TRUSTY
Valerie Kosa was not raised Catholic, but she converted to Catholicism before marrying her husband, John Kosa, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marblehead. That was 52 years ago, and during that time, the Kosas attended many fish fries in the parish. On March 1, John stayed busy in the kitchen cooking food while Valerie joined friends for dinner in the church hall on second St. Joseph Knights of Columbus fish fry of the season.
“We’ve been going to fish fries probably since I joined the church,” said Valerie.
Marblehead fish fries has the distinction of offering pierogis alongside perch.
Marblehead’s ancestral ties to Eastern Europe bring a unique twist to the typical Lent fish fries. They feature Lake Erie yellow perch and include pierogis, a traditional Polish dish made of dough, potatoes and cheese that is very popular with village residents and visitors.
“Pierogis are a tradition in Marblehead,” John said. “We bread and fry the fish here in the church. We are one of the only fish fries in the area that serves Lake Erie yellow perch.”
Guests enjoyed an unexpected honor when Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo attended on Feb. 16 fish fry.
“The bishop came unexpectedly,” said Valerie. “He went around all the tables.”
K of C Council 12224 Grand Knight, Rob Harrison holds a photo taken when Bishop Daniel Thomas made a surprise visit to St. Joseph Catholic Church on February 16 this fish fry.
The fish fries serve as a fundraiser for St. Joseph Knights of Columbus (K of C) Council 12224. The group supports several local organizations, including Heartbeat of Ottawa County, Danbury Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. In 2023, the council volunteered 1,283 service hours “for faith, family, community and life activities,” said K of C Council 12224 Grand Knight, Rob Harrison.
The council’s charitable work in the community includes visiting the sick, helping residents with physical and intellectual disabilities, and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. The group welcomes new members to help them continue their impact on the community.
“Our average age is 72. We try to get young people involved,” Harrison said. “It’s not a big time commitment, and the dues are only $30 a year, so it’s not a big financial commitment.”
Lake Erie yellow perch is served in St. Joseph Knights of Columbus fish fries.
The next fish fry in St. Joseph Church will be held on March 15, 5-7 pm St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead will host fish and pierogi dinners on March 8 and 22, 4-7 pm
“Let’s go to each other’s fish fries,” said Valerie. “We used to be on the same night, but now we switch weeks so we can support each other.”
St. is located. Joseph Catholic Church at 822 Barclay St. in Marblehead. St. is located. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church at 506 E. Main St. in Marblehead.
