David "Eli" Elias

David “Eli” M. Elias, 69, of Annawan passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

A celebration of life will be 2:00pm Saturday, November 15, 2025, at La Chateau 40&8 Campground. Memorials may be made to La Chateau Park in Annawan or Sons of the American Legions Post 1233 in Colona.

Eli was born September 6, 1956, in Ottawa, IL the son of John and Beverly Elias. He married Paula Kee on May 2, 2009, in Wedron, IL. Eli worked as a roofer for many years and later became grounds caretaker for Prairie Lakes Golf Course and Dayton Ridge Golf Course, retiring in 2018. After retirement he and his wife Paula became the caretakers at 40&8 Campground in Annawan. Eli was a member of Sons of American Legion Post 1233 in Colona and Sons in support of La Chateau Park and Voiture #443. He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan. He enjoyed hunting pheasant and fishing and loved golfing.

Survivors include his wife Paula; children Jenny (Chad Jones) Sparlin, Amy Page, Jonathan Elias, Aaron (Lindsey) Elias, Nate Elias, Tanner (Maddy) Elias, Lyndsey (Vandal) Bigham, Harley (Heather) Steenbergen, Christopher (Estelle) Steenbergen, Jeanne (Arnie) Manley, and Priscilla (Aaron) Lage; 34 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sisters Jackie Timm and Sherry (Paul) Maurice; brother Tom (Anna) Elias; sister in law Regina McCarty and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Eli was preceded in death by his parents, son James Asa Steenbergen, and great granddaughter Everligh Oberhokamp.