Eric Julius Strauts, loving husband to Maureen, devoted father to Tim (Michele) and Erin (Joshua).  Eric was the proud grandfather of Olivia, Theodore, and Victoria, spending a full day caring for them each week.  They will miss their Papa.  The only child of Latvian emigres Vitold and Teresa, Eric was born in Germany in 1945 and came to the United States at the age of four.  Eric graduated the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering. Consequently, he loved to solve problems and fix things; he was always helping his children build contraptions.  Eric was a long-time employee of Magnaflux Corporation and in his career he was awarded ten patents.  More recently, his selfless devotion to those in need led to his involvement with the Center of Concern where he was the IT Director and a dedicated volunteer.  He was the loving brother-in-law of Marianne and Leon McGeary, James and Judy Calabrese, and the late Ralph Calabrese.  He will be missed by his family, his many nieces and nephews, and the army of friends who were so lucky to have him in their lives. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3-8 PM at Cooney Funeral Home 625 Busse Hwy in Park Ridge. Funeral Service Wednesday 9:30 AM to Our Lady of Ransom Church for Mass at 10 AM.Interment Private. For more information please call 1-847-685-1002 or visit  www.Cooneyfuneralhome.com