Eli Solaja

My dad was born in August of 1934 in a town called Sokolovac, Province of Leka, Yugoslavia, which is now in the country of Croatia. Because Ilija was very young when all records were destroyed by the war and Ilija’s parents were both deceased at an early age, consequently there was no one of authority who knew of his exact birth date. Ilija is an August name that is given to those that are born in the month of August. My father always believed he was born sometime in August and his personality was a Leo, if there ever was one. He was a born leader.

Ilija’s Father was also named Ilija and his mother’s name was Soka Kocka.

Three siblings with Ilija being the oldest.

Sister Marda Solaja

Sister Saja Milica Solaja

Brother Dusan Solaja

Grandfather on fathers side was also Ilija Solaja

Grandmother Soka

Aunt (grandfathers sister) Milicia

Uncle Petar

Uncle Nikoli

Family owned a wood crafting shop and blacksmith shop

Grandfather on mother’s side was Bo’zo

Grandmother Soka (both grandmothers were named Soka)

When Ilija’s father was dying he asked his sister Milicia to raise his four children. She tried as much as she could but was only able to help with two, which were Dusan and Marda. Ilija and Saja were moved to orphanages. She waited until later in her life to get married, keeping her promise to her brother to see that his children were raised to the best of her ability.

Ilija grew up on the banks of the Raka River and every Sunday he remembers going to dinner at the home of his grandparents Bozo and Soka. When his parents both died, and World War II began, Ilija went from orphanage to orphanage always trying to run away to find a home that he could live in, because of the war, there wasn’t enough money for families to support their own let alone raising another young boy. When he escaped to Austria in May of 1951 he was only sixteen. Because eighteen was the legal age there, my father said his birthday was April 5th. This is why he always considered that day as his true birthday. The birth of his new life and freedom. Austria would be his home until he had enough money to leave for America. He lived in a camp of sorts where he did odd jobs and started a short career in boxing. During these four years my father went to school to become a Master Mechanic, which would help him with his life job.

Ilija came to Chicago in January of 1955 and lived in a home that allowed boarders to stay for a nominal fee. The owner of this home was a woman he called Teta Babavich who befriended him. My father met my Mom Babe at a dance at St. Michael’s Serbian Orthodox Church in South Chicago in July of 1955. Nine months later my father married the love of his life, my Mom Babe, out of Teta Babavich’s home on April 26, 1956. My parents always said when they first met, that they each thought the other had come from money, until Dad took my Mom to pick out her engagement ring and told her to pick whichever one she desired. When she picked the most expensive one, she said my father looked like he would faint. That is when she realized that life as she knew it, would change forever. After buying her the ring of her dreams, she soon found out that my dad came to America with beautiful clothes, jewelry, etc. from an uncle in France, a carton of cigarettes, and thirteen dollars in his pocket. First living in East Chicago, then moving to the East Side, South Chicago, and buying a home at 9861 Avenue H. There my parents raised four children:

Steve Solaja born on November 20, 1958

Eileen Solaja born on August 14, 1960

Dan Solaja born on September 11, 1962

Lana Solaja born on March 12, 1969

Ilija started working for Inland Steel in 1956 as a laborer until he retired as General Mechanical Foreman in 1988. His nickname at the mill was “The Bull” because everyone knew when they worked his shift it was going to be a long one! My Mom remembers my father being a great dancer and my father had the uncanny ability to repair any and everything. I don’t ever remember having to call a repair man for anything. Whether it was adding on to his home or repairing our car, nothing was impossible for him. Even after retirement he was known as Mr. Fix It of Sun lakes. My Mom has fond memories of going to the dance hall every Wednesday night and dancing the night away. My dad was always a great dancer.

His favorite pastime was golf. I remember him trying to steal time away to get in 18 holes. He was able to golf whenever he wanted after he retired, even golfing in a league in Sun Lakes. Three to four times a week he would get up at the crack of dawn and take off in his little golf cart. After hitting the “19th” hole on Saturday afternoons he would come home and say “Babe what’s to eat”? Knowing he was a little vulnerable at the time, Mom would say “nothing” and usually he would take her out for dinner with Andy and Lana to the casino where he loved to play his quarter slot machines. Mom and Dad used to love going to the casino for dinner, drinks, and listen to the music so they could dance. We would sometimes catch Mom hiding from Dad because he would always lose all his money first and then come find her for more.

Ilija and Babe have 9 Grandchildren:

Steve and Viki Solaja

Sons Steve and Cody

Eileen and Kevin Butcher

Son Kevin (Beau), daughters, Hayley and Hannah

Dan (deceased) and Amy Solaja

Ann Marie and Natalie

Lana and Andy Summers

Son, Andrew

Daughter, Amanda and her husband Eric Barcus who have three children:

Nathaniel, Isaiah, and Naomi

As my mom and dad got up in years, they decided to sell their home and move in with Lana and Andy, Dad’s best “Priatel” friend. Because the four of them spent so much time together anyway, it just seemed like the natural thing to do. Soon Dad had Andy speaking the Serbian language. Of course the off color words only! This opportunity gave them so many wonderful memories and much laughter. Even after many years of marriage Mom and Dad would sit and talk together every morning for what seemed like hours, but as time went on Ilija became very ill and was diagnosed with Dementia, which from its complications ultimately took his life on Wednesday April 6, 2011. With much love, dignity, and compassion, with the help of Hospice, my father was able to go to Boza “God” from the comfort of his home, which he loved so very much.

The following letter was given to us when my brother Dan passed away in November 2003.

It gave our family such a sense of comfort that we wanted to share it with our family and friends now.

To my dearest family and friends,

Some things I’d like to say...but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon, and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.” As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I needed you here badly; you’re part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. So when you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind; I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

And when it’s time for you to go....from that body to be free, remember you’re not going.....you are coming here to me.

Love,

Your Tata Eli

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.