Ronald E. “Greasy” Elias, 86, of Streator passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his residence in Streator.

  Private family services will be held.  Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.  Full military rites will be accorded by the members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.

  The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

  Born April 16, 1937 in Streator he was the son of Albert and Marie (Churlik) Elias.  He married Patricia A. Svetz on July 11, 1959 in Streator.  She preceded him in death on May 6, 2015.

  He is survived by daughters, Mary Jane (Albert) Mazzola of Oakhurst, Texas, Janice (Brian) Schultz of Streator, Cindy (Bob) Fogarty of Streator, Michelle “Missy” Anderson of Streator and Melanie (Sam Austin) Elias of Monroe, Michigan; a son, Michael (Tracie) Elias of Streator; several grandchildren; and a sister, Bernice Sellers of Streator.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and brothers, Richard and Kenneth Elias.

  Born and raised in Streator he attended St. Stephen’s Grade School and Streator High School. 

  He served in the United States Army.  He was a Paratrooper and served in the 82nd Airborne.

  He worked through the years for Streator Drain Tile and later for Borg Warner (GE Plastics) from where he retired from in 1999.

  He was a member of the former St. Stephen’s Church.  He was also a member of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217, Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Knights of Columbus Council #790 and the Streator Eagles Club. 

  Ron was an avid fisherman and gardener.  He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer and Chicago White Sox fan.  He enjoyed playing Euchre and a good Budweiser.  He will be sadly missed by his loving family.

  Memorials may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of his wife Pat who passed away with Parkinson’s in 2015.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com