Mikhael Elossais

MIKHAEL GEORGE ELOSSAIS

Cedar Rapids

Mikhael George Elossais, 70, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. He was surrounded by his family. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at St. George Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the church, with a Trisagion service beginning at 7 p.m. Burial: St. George Orthodox Cemetery.

Mikhael was born May 6, 1947, in Ain Arab, Lebanon, to George and Kareme (Nemer) Elossais, as the fifth of six children. He grew up in Ain Arab, a small village in Lebanon, and came to the United States at the age of 26, carrying with him the dream of opportunity for a better life for himself and his family. He began his journey in Wichita, Kan., where he met the love of his life, and wife of 40 years, Debby (Tuttle) Elossais. After marrying, they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they grew their family. Mikhael began work at Cherry-Burrell Co. and was there for many years until he fulfilled his ultimate dream of opening his own restaurant. Together with his wife, Debby, and brother, Elie, they successfully ran the family restaurant for 30 years until he retired in 2012.

Mikhael and Debby raised five children, with a very active role in the lives of their 12 grandchildren. As the patriarch of the family, Mikhael instilled the values of faith, family and loyalty in his five children and 12 grandchildren.

Mikhael had a passion for hunting, guns and cars. These were passions that always included his children.

He was a man who did not let obstacles stand in his way. He lived life to the fullest until the very end. He was like a father to his nieces and nephews and a significant figure and role model to his loved ones. He was a man of honor who always was prepared with sage advice. He especially enjoyed spending time with his 12 grandchildren, whom he had a special name for each.

Mikhael is survived by his wife, Debby Elossais; their five children, Karame (Fayez) Elessais, Katrin Elessais, Miriam (Sam) Kang, Christine (Ryan) Long and George Elossais; as well as his brothers and sisters, Elie (Afifi), Sonia (Richard) Laham, Sally (David) Bunch, Suade Elossais and Ensaf Kacere. He also is survived by his 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from around the globe.

A special thank-you to Dr. Stahlberg and Dr. Kumar, as well as all the nurses at Mercy Medical Center, who looked after him, for their exceptional care.

Memorials may be directed to St. George Orthodox Church or to the family for an established memorial in his name at St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Ain Arab, Lebanon.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.