Obituary of Jake Elko

Jacob “Jake” Elko, 96, of Miners Mills passed away peacefully on September 23, 2021. He was born October 8, 1924. Jake was the son of the late Jacob Elko and Justine Ostapiw. He attended Wilkes-Barre City elementary schools and graduated from Coughlin High School in 1943. Jake attended Wilkes-Barre Business College and Penn State Extension School. He was formerly employed by United Furniture Manufactures, The US Postal Service for 32 years, and Hillside Farms. A veteran of World War II, Jake served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lovelace DE198 from 1943 to 1946. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon (3 stars), American Theater Ribbon, Victory Metal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 star). Jake was a member of the Plains American Legion Joseph Conlon Post #558 and Saint Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre. He spent 52 wonderful years with his loving and devoted wife, the late Helen Marhelko, who were married on October 18, 1952. Jake was a proud and dedicated father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his flowers and working in his incredible garden. Jake was truly blessed for his endeavors, and he leaves behind countless wonderful and treasured memories with his family who will miss him immensely. Surviving are his loving children, Marie Blessing and husband Brian, Las Vegas, NV, Nancy Boback married to the late Richard Boback, Wilkes-Barre, Jacob Elko and wife Joann, Courtdale. Grandchildren Brian Blessing and wife Cosette, Las Vegas, NV, Nicole Boback, Wilkes-Barre, Richard Boback and wife Channing, Larksville, Jacob and Nicholas Elko, Courtdale, and great grandchildren Grace Blessing, Las Vegas, NV, and Richard Boback III, Larksville. Preceding him in death was his sister, Mary Lawson, brothers, John, Peter, and Michael. Funeral service will be held Monday September 27, 2021, at Noon in Saint Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 635 N. River St. Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call Monday morning from 11 a.m. till time of service at the church. Interment will be in Saint Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, Plains. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Edwards & Russin Funeral and Cremation Services www.russincares.com Online condolences can be made by visiting Jake’s obituary on the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Saint Peter & Paul Ukrainian Church, Wilkes-Barre.