Winniefred Keleher

Winniefred Eliason Keleher, 101, died on February 14, 2019, after stating that she was going to heaven to spend Valentines Day with her dearly departed husband, Dan. Winnie was born April 3, 1917 to Emin and Ester Swanson Eliason at Swedeburg. She spent her early years attending Swedeburg Public School, and graduating from Ceresco High School. Winnie graduated from Lutheran College with an Associate’s Degree in Education. She had always wanted to be a teacher, and she began her career teaching in Saunders County School District 38, near Mead, and District 35, near Yutan. She also taught in Springfield, Wymore, and North Platte. She continued her education and graduated from the University of Nebraska with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Winnie then taught at Sheridan, Capitol, Eastridge, and Brownell Schools in Lincoln. She taught for 35 and a half years, before retiring. While teaching in Lincoln, Winnie met Dan and they married. After years of service, Winnie and Dan began a long happy retirement. They traveled in their Air Stream camper, finally settling in McAllen, Texas. They enjoyed ballroom dancing and playing bridge with their many friends. They alternated living six months in Lincoln and six months in McAllen until Dan passed away in 2001. Winnie then moved to the Legacy retirement community where she made many friends. She later moved to Tabitha Goodhouse Hospice, where she received outstanding care and attention for the rest of her life. She had a long happy life. Winnie enjoyed “Sister Day” each Wednesday with her sister, Betty Knuth, for many years. The sisters would spend their day shopping, going out for lunch, playing Scrabble, or just visiting together. Winnie is survived by brother, Paul L. Eliason, sister, Betty J. Knuth, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Winnie is greeted in heaven by a host of loving family members and friends. A Celebration of Winnie’s Life will be Friday, February 22, 2019 at 3:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation.