Visitation

Jun 17, 2019

Biography

On June 9, 2019 Michael died peacefully at his daughter's home, where he was surrounded by his devoted family. He returned to his heavenly home and into the loving arms of his wife, Frances. Michael was born on October 29th, 1927 into a large Italian family, where he was the sixth of seven children. He was raised in the old Italian neighborhood in Chicago, IL. He served his country with honor in the United States Army in Korea from 1950-1952. Upon his return from Korea he married the love of his life, the late Frances Kunkel of Oak Park, Illinois. They raised their family of 6 in Oak Park before moving to Tucson, Arizona for retirement. Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with his 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He had a deep appreciation and love for music, especially classical music, which he joyfully shared with his own children as his father did with him. As a former musician in his youth, he often said many people listen to music but very few hear it. He loved classic cars, and watching the Cubs and old movies. He lived a long and healthy 91 years of life, 62 years with his wife by his side. Their love for each other was boundless and they left behind a beautiful legacy for their children to carry forward in their own lives. Michael Elia; beloved husband of Frances Kunkel of 62 years; loving father of Michael (Michael), Mary (Dan) Zacharias, Peggy (Dave) Gruendler, Sue Hughes and her late husband Jack, Patty Elmore, Jean (Mark) Paulson; dear son of the late Michele and Christina Elia; fond grandfather of Julian Elia-Pignataro, Daniel (Aly), Donnie (Ashley), Michael, Matt (Kendra), Tommy, and Jake Zacharias, Matt Gruendler (Ella), Courtney (Ivan) Alvarez, Bryan (and the pretty girl Meg) Gruendler and Monica (Clayton) VanNest, Sarah (Dan) Kronstat and Jessica (Matt) Albers, Chase, Courtney, and Shay Paulson; adoring great-grandfather of Aria, Brayden, Conrad, Audrey, Tara (Boo Boo), Annie, Sedona, Natalie, Riley, Cameron, and Jack; dear brother of the late Theresa Smith, the late Louis (Mae) Elia, the late Frances (Edward) Bedledorf, the late Gloria (Joseph) Ruffino, the late Marian Elia and the late James (Joan) Elia. Mass at St. Giles Church 1045 Columbian Ave, Oak Park, IL 10:00 am. Visitation immediately before the mass at 9:30 am, Monday June 17. Final resting place will be in Tucson Arizona.

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