Eli Edward Zak, 82, born on August 2, 1941 to Edward and Violet (Roseta),  died unexpectectly on November 30, 2023.  Eli grew up in the Calumet section of East Chicago and graduated from E.C. Washington High School in 1960, where he excelled in sports especially baseball.  Eli was the high school quarterback who fell in love with the high school cheerleader, Margaret Bruno, and they went on to be married in 1964.  They moved to Highland in 1968 where they built their starter home and still resided there. He was the loving and proud, devoted father of Jeannine Fiegle (Steve) and Kenneth Zak, and devoted grandfather of Ryan and Jordan Fiegle and Amanda Zak. He adored his grandchildren and Eli loved his family beyond measure.

Even though Eli was an only child, he was considered a brother and uncle to Margaret's large Italian Bruno family. He loved each of them as his own family and loved nothing more than to spend time with them.

Other than his parents, Edward and Violet,  Eli was preceded in death by his grandparents  Ralph & Rose Zak and Lazo & Amelia Raseta, dear aunt and uncle, Sylvester and Mildred Gispanski and special aunt, Helen Raseta  and his Bruno family, Dominic,& Dolores, Albert, Tony & Judy and Jimmy, Antoinette, Roy and Joe LaBarge,  Frances, Mike  and Tony Chvostal, Ann, Max & Debbie Pazik, Billy Martin,, cousins and uncles and Eli's best friend, Louie Olah.

Eli is survived by  his beloved wife, Margaret (Bruno) daughter and son-in-law Jeannine and Steve Fiegle, his son Kenneth and grandchildren Ryan and Jordan Fiegle and grand-daughter, Amanda Zak. He is also  survived by cousins  Donald (Arlene) Mauger and Amy (Randy) Olmsted, Sisters-in-law, Yolanda (Bruno) Martin, Nancy Bruno and Betty Jo Bruno and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

After graduation Eli worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company for a short time and then joined the E.C. Fire Department where he worked up to District Chief and devoted 38 years to the department.  He received several commendations for bravery in the line of duty for saving people's lives with disregard to his own personal safety.  He also served as a Civil Service Commissioner.  Eli served on the E.C. Pension board up to the present time and worked tirelessly to obtain raises for the pensioners. He was a staunch advocate of the pensioners and was always there for the widows at their time of need.

Eli served and was honorably discharged from the U.S Army Reserves.

As a fireman, Eli worked 2 jobs most of his life to support his family.  Eli was a jack of all trades; a welder, an electrician, roofer, landscaper.  You name it, he did it. He was a most giving neighbor and everyone on 100th Street knew "Eli". He was one of the oldest neighbors but was the first to be out on a snowy day shoveling not only his sidewalks but neighbors' sidewalks as well. He was known for having the greenest lawn on the block. He took pride in everything he did and did it well. You could come by most days and find him working in the yard or woodworking in the garage. At 82 he could often be found on the roof checking something or cleaning gutters. He was very active and never sat still, and that was how he liked it.

Eli was a devoted father and grandfather. Nothing gave him more pleasure than helping his children and grandchildren and spending time with them. He was a great cook too and his grandchildren always asked for his delicious chicken soup, his great mashed potatoes and his amazing stuffed peppers. He never hesitated to make a pot of chicken soup whenever one of his kids/grandchildren was sick. His children and grandchildren loved him beyond measure and called him their hero.

Eli was a lifelong Cubs fan. His love for baseball started very young. He played baseball as a child and young teen in Riley Park as well as a dirt lot in Calumet with his life long best friend Louie Olah.   Eli went on to play for the Calumet Indians Junior League team, where Eli was a "star" pitcher and led the Calumet Indians to two championships for East Chicago.  We know they are playing baseball in heaven now.

Eli was also a recipient of Certificate of Merit from The Chicago Tribune in recognition as a member of the E.C. Washington 1959 All Star Football squad.

Eli never met a stranger and was a giving friend to all who knew him. He never hesitated to help anyone who needed something. He could talk to anyone and was always sincerely interested in their lives. Eli was a man who stood up for those who could not do so for themselves and was there for you when you needed him. The world has lost a great, kind, loving sweet man.

Eli and Margaret were not world travelers but loved to travel, and especially enjoyed their fall trips through the Blue Ridge Mountains during the peak of fall colors, to Myrtle Beach. They made that trip every fall for 42 years.

Eli and Margaret would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in May and were sweethearts from the age of 16. Eli was Margaret's husband, her lover, her prince charming, her best friend, and her hero.  He doted on her and would do anything for her.  They were blessed with a fierce unending love and life is forever changed. The love they shared will never die but will live within Margaret's heart forever.

"Loved with a love beyond all feelings, missed with a grief beyond all tears."

Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM on Friday, with a eulogy at 6:00 PM, December 29, 2023, at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Avenue, Schererville, IN. A Service Celebrating Eli's life will be held on Saturday, December 30, at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Gregory Bim-Merle officiating.  Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service. Services conclude at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.