(nee Cardenas) Born to Eternal Life on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at the age of 92. Loving wife of the late Karel Kotnik. Dear sister of the late Emery (Virginia) Cardenas, the late Jesse (Wanda) Cardenas, the late Roger (Dolly) Cardenas and the late Joseph (Barbara) Cardenas. Cherished aunt of Brenda (Roberto) Cardenas, Joey (Vanessa) Koskovich, Valina Cardenas, and many more loving nieces and nephews. Also survived by other family members and many friends. Visitation Monday, December 10, 2018 at ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH, 2530 S. Howell Ave., from 10AM to 10:45AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. Entombment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery to follow. Elia was the eldest daughter of Jose and Maria Mercedes Cardenas. She grew up on Milwaukees south side working in her familys neighborhood grocery store where she met her beloved Karel whom she married in 1959. Elia retired in 1990 from Marquette University where she spent her career, working in the Payroll Department. Elia was also an incredibly creative person who loved telling stories, sewing, and making crafts. Her nieces and nephews say she was magical, their Mexican Mary Poppins. Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes Bay View Chapel 414-483-2322