Frank B. 'Poncho' Elias

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Frank B. “Poncho” Elias, 80, of 131 E. Lime St., Ironwood, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, in Ironwood.

He was born June 26, 1933, in Ironwood, son of the late Emery and Bernice (Birch) Elias.

Frank attended Ironwood schools. He served in the United States Air Force as a firefighter during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 29, 1953. He was a member of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5.

He worked for American Motors in Kenosha, Wis., Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, White Pine Copper Company, Hi-Bob in Ashland, Wis., and for the city of Ironwood for 22 years, retiring in 1995.

On Dec. 11, 1954, Frank was united in marriage with Pauline Merconti at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley, Wis.

Frank enjoyed his garage, where he worked on various cars and trucks. He also enjoyed 37 years of camping with his wife, touring the Midwest with their fifth-wheel trailer.

Frank is survived by his wife, Pauline, of Ironwood; his son, Frank Jr. (Doris), of New Berlin, Wis .; one sister, Frances Holm, of Ironwood; his little dog, Taco; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood. The Rev. Robb Jurkovich will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

A luncheon will follow at Rigoni’s Inn.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood.