Louis Pongracz

Louis Pongracz entered into eternal rest on Friday, June, 4,2021 in Elyria after a brief illness.

He was born in Lorain, Ohio, on June 3, 1924, to Antal and Priscilla Elizabeth (nee: Kalassay) Pongracz.  Louis had been a resident of Elyria since 1962.

He graduated from Clearview High School in 1942 and happily coordinated breakfast reunions with his remaining classmates well into their nineties.  Louis proudly served in the United States Army during World War II with the 251st. Port Company Transportation Corp. in the China Burma India Theater where he attained the office of Sergeant.  Louis accepted employment as a substitute railway clerk with the United States Post Office where he rode mail trains between Cleveland and Chicago.  He eventually served as Clerk and Supervisor of Support in Elyria and managed the North RIdgeville Post Office before his retirement in 1986.

Louis was a devoted member of Community of Faith United Church of Christ in Elyria where he served many years on the Church Council.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #12 in Elyria and the Elyria VFW, Post #1079.  He volunteered many hours as a coach and manager of his son's Elyria Little League East teams and was a caring and loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of almost fifty-nine years Carol (nee: Powell); daughter Elizabeth (Warren) Maiden of Amherst, son Andrew (Brenda) Pongracz of Lakewood, grandsons Alexander and Christopher Pongracz of Lakewood, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by his seven siblings: Serena Molnar, William Pongracz, Julia Berki, Helen Dennis, Agnes Thompson, Wilma Deliman, and Julius Pongracz.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Abbewood, Life Care Center of Elyria, UH Elyria Hospital, and Crossroads Hospice for their care of Louis in his final months.

Public visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021 from 3:00 until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst. The Rev. Melinda Quellhorst of Vermilion Church of Christ will officiate.   Rebroadcasting of services will be available at http://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/ .  Private burial will take place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. A celebration of Louis’s life will take place July 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at Community of Faith United Church of Christ, Elyria, Ohio.  

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Community of Faith United Church of Christ, 9715 East River Road, Elyria, OH 44035; Elyria Little League, East, PO Box 1984, ELyria, OH 44036 or to a charity of your choice.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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