Elenore Welniak

Elenore “YaYa” (Seletos) Welniak was born June 7, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska to George and Vasaliki (Poulopoulos) Seletos. Elenore grew up in Omaha, and graduated from Benson High School in 1954. Following high school, she attended Omaha University. Elenore stayed busy in high school as a cheerleader for her Benson Bunnies. She was active in the Benson Bunny Pep Club, and enjoyed going to sporting events, movies, and sock hops at Peony Park. She was most proud of her blue T-Bird! Elenore married William Welniak on January 25, 1958 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born: Lisbeth, Mike, Vicki, and Sandy. The couple raised their family in Omaha until moving to Waterloo, Nebraska in 1982. Bill preceded Elenore in death in June 2017, after which Elenore moved back to Omaha. Elenore stayed busy throughout her life. She worked for Union Pacific, the downtown police station in Omaha, Topps Clothing, was the owner of L’s Closet, worked at Santori Travel, helped Bill with S&W Fence, and was a Nanny. In addition to her jobs, Elenore stayed active with the Benson High Reunion Committee, doing puzzles, shopping and spending time with her friends. Elenore was a loving, open-hearted, and warm woman, who was very accepting of people. Her favorite color was blue, she listened to Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and other early rock n roll. Her favorite movie was “A Star Is Born”, and she could often be found savoring a cup of coffee with a cookie or two. She was famous for cooking her favorite Greek dish Pastitsio. She loved being by the pool, entertaining at the house, and traveling with family. Elenore was a gracious host and an awesome cook. She looked forward to her Benson High reunions, and cherished holidays and being with her family. Elenore was especially proud of her Greek descent. She was motherly and a grandmother to all who met her, but she had a special place in her heart for Sophia and Shelby. She will be remembered for being a YaYa to all the children around her. Elenore died at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the age of 82 years, 3 months, and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her husband William, parents George & Vasaliki Seletos, and brother Peter Seletos. Elenore is survived by her daughters Lisbeth Welniak of Bethesda, MD, Vicki & Sam Maggio of Elkhorn, and Sandy Welniak of Omaha, son and daughter-in-law Michael & Annie Welniak of Omaha, 2 granddaughters Shelby & Sophia, sister and brother-in-law Lyda & Tony Fruscione, and nephew Paris Fruscione. Elenore “YaYa” Welniak, age 82, of Omaha, died 9/10/18. Preceded in death by husband William, parents George & Vasaliki Seletos, and brother Peter Seletos. Survived by daughters Lisbeth Welniak of Bethesda, MD, Vicki & Sam Maggio of Elkhorn, and Sandy Welniak of Omaha, son and daughter-in-law Michael & Annie Welniak of Omaha, 2 granddaughters Shelby & Sophia, sister and brother-in-law Lyda & Tony Fruscione, and nephew Paris Fruscione. Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Friday, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Omaha. Visitation Thursday Noon-7 PM with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM and wake service at 7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Memorials to the Waterloo Fire Department.

Elenore Welniak

June 7, 1936 - September 10, 2018