Hank Elias

Hank Elias, 86 of Sidney, passed away at his home Friday evening, July 11, 2014.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 17th with a Wake Service at 6 p.m., Wednesday evening July 16th. Both services will be in the St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Jim Heithoff officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Hank's name to St. Patrick's Church, SRMC Hospice or Wagon Tails Animal Rescue.

You may view Hank's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC in is charge of Hank's care and funeral arrangements.

Henry Robert "Hank" Elias, the son of Henry Joseph and Caroline (Guthardt) Elias was born on June 17, 1928 at North Platte. He attended the Mitchell Public Schools, graduating from Mitchell High School in 1946. Hank repaired Sherman Tanks at Rock Island, Ill. before joining the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. In Korea he was fortunate to serve with his best friend Ray Russell. Hank worked for Marathon Oil Company for thirty-eight years in Sidney earning the position of foreman of the gas plant. While working full-time at Marathon Oil, he also worked nights at the Police Station, started Hank's Construction and farmed east of Sidney.

Hank was a wonderful family man and really loved his family. He valued his friends and neighbors and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Hank retired in 1985 and enjoyed traveling, family and friends. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church for sixty-one years, the Sidney Elks for fifty-two years and the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife: Florine of Sidney; (2) daughters: Ramona Bessler and husband Michael of Jansen, Neb. and Cynthia Talich and husband Brent of Sidney; (4) grandchildren; (6) great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members and friends.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Caroline, step-father: Lloyd Root and numerous extended family members.