Charles J. Elek, 89, of Elyria, died Friday, November 16, 2012 at his home. He as born June 9, 1923 in Elyria and was a longtime resident of Lorain. Charles was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and was then employed for 39 years at U.S. Steel Company in Lorain as a pipefitter, retiring in 1983. After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed spending the winters in Orange City, FL. They returned to Ohio and moved to Elyria in 1997. His interests included traveling in his RV, camping, fishing, woodworking, gardening and he was a member of Elyria V.F.W. #1079 and Disabled American Veterans. Charles is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ella A. (nee Pidgeon); daughter Diane E. (Terry Bungard; son Wayne C. (Dana) Elek, both of Elyria; grandchildren Steven, Timothy, Rachael and Nicholas; great grandchildren Alex, Alizabeth and Grace and a brother Steven Elek of Chicopee, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Bertha Elek and brothers Richard and Albert Elek. Friends will be received Monday, November 19, 2012 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dicken Funeral Home, 323 Middle Ave., Elyria. Inurnment will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com