Elias “Eli” Richard Cardona, 75, of Laramie passed away at home in his sleep on Thursday, December 8, 2022, after battling cancer. He was born May 15, 1947, to Jesse Elias and Mary Josephine (Martin) Cardona in Crawford, Nebraska.
Eli grew up in Nebraska close to family and was a favorite amongst his cousins. After high school he served in the United States Army and received many honors including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.
He married Dolores Saucedo on May 20, 1972, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and together they had three daughters. He was the rock of his family. He worked hard and was generous, strong, supportive, caring, funny and fearless. He loved spending time with his family, enjoyed the mountains, having a good laugh, and joking around with family and friends. He took joy in camping, hunting, fishing, and playing his guitar.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, David Cardona.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dolores Cardona of Laramie; his daughters, Andrea (Anthony) Bennett, Maria Warburton, and Marisela Cardona (Jamie Duchene); his grandchildren, Aidan Cardona, Isabella Cardona-Bennett, Michael Bennett, Devin Warburton, Donoven Warburton, and Angelo Cardona; his siblings, Pat (Patti) Cardona, Joe (Phyllis) Fernandis, Robert (Frances) Cardona, Linda (Eddie) Serda, Christine (Rumaldo) Lovato, Cathy (Andy) Arellano; and his sister-in-law Lola Cardona. He leaves behind many godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Vigil service will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2022, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Green Hill Cemetery with Military Honors by the Wyoming National Guard and the Laramie Veterans Honor Guard.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Eli in high school as quite the character. He was a happy soul with a quick smile. I am so glad to see he had such a good life. Remembering Eli has put a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I know he will be missed by many.
My condolences to all of the family. Growing up with Eli, I remember him as kind, lots of fun, and with a great sense of humor. His service to his country was exemplary at a tough time in history. Time helps east the pain, but can never take away all your fond memories. Share those memories and keep him with you in your hearts. May he rest in peace.
Condolences to your family and friends. R.I.P. Eli.
To the family of our schoolmate Eli from the high school Class of 1966 in Crawford Nebraska. Eli was loved by all of us who knew him. He was a joyous and happy person, friendly and fun to be around. His family's "big house on the corner" close to the school was a favorite place to stop and say hello on the way home from school. We remember his kind brothers Bobby & Pat and his lovely parents. (I think often of Mary each time I "roll" my hair and I "do it" the special way she taught me so the curl stays!). I was fortunate to have had a long phone visit with Eli in I think 2021 when "tracking down" classmates for a class roster. Eli will be remembered with fondness and admiration of his gentle and kind spirit. Teri Norgard Hlava now of Lincoln NE
Aynde, Tony, Aidan, Isabella, Michael & Family, Please know of our love & prayers. From Sts. Joseph & Paul Church.
Sending our deeptest sympathies to you and your family. We are forntunate to have spent time with you, Eli and your growing family when you first moved to Laramie. May all the wonderful memories you have provide some consolation. Thinking of you. Andrea, Archie, Sebastian, Dylan, and Alexander Reeve
Dolores I’m saddened to hear of Eli’passimg. He was truly one of my favorite customers at the Beanery. May he Rest In Peace and may God help you through your grief. Katie Johnson
Rest in Paradise my friend. I'm Verry sorry to hear of your passing. You lived a good life. Condolences to your Family
Dolores our prayers and condolences going out towards all you family on the loss of your husband. Eli. Your husband was such a loving and caring husband and will be missed by many. We thank Eli for his services as he served for our country. May Eli RIP.
Our deepest condolences for the family and loving prayer to Eli’s beautiful soul. He will be missed. Love, Don and Corinne Driscoll
so sorry to hear of your loss. We were very fortunate and honor to meet Eli. Again condolences to the family.
Dolores you are in our prayers. Luis & Susana Elias Requiescat in pace
I’m sorry for your loss and I will always cherish the memories of him and spending time together, may he rest in peace
Dolores and family, I am so sorry to hear of Eli's passing. I have fond memories of visiting with him when I waited tables. He was one of my favorites. Much love to you and yours.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Met you both when my father passed and you organized the music for his funeral mass, along with your husband. May he now rest with the angels. Martha Lopez
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
To our Wonderful Friend Dolores. You and Eli had the love of a life time What a blessing it was for the brave soldier to go to bed on earth and wake up in Heaven!! We love you so much. Zackie and Ann
I'm so sorry for the loss of my cousin Eli we had very good times reminisce about the farm in our childhood I will miss him forever my condolences to the family of Eli Cardona Sunday spiritual ways for healing and comfort I love you all