Elaine Cecile Kodad was born April 14, 1945, in Lincoln, to Rudolph and Gertrude (Polak) Hakel and passed away July 17, 2024, in Lincoln, at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 3 days.
Elaine grew up on a farm near Valparaiso and attended school in Seward, graduating with the Class of 1963. She worked numerous jobs throughout her life. These included waitressing at the Corner Café, the Seward Dowding Municipal Pool, a realtor, administrative assistant at Bryan Hospital and owner of Kelli’s Pub in Lincoln. Her favorite job of all was working as a flight attendant for United Airlines, which allowed her to travel the world and explore many different places. In her free time, Elaine enjoyed doing yardwork, gardening, going for walks, practicing her Catholic faith and attending her grandchildren’s events. Elaine would be there for anyone at the drop of a hat. She definitely taught us about faith, hard work, family, dedication and saving your pennies.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Charlie Jirovsky and Roger Rosche; niece, Staci Lamberty; and former husband, Dennis Kodad.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and spouses, Chris (Andrea) Kodad of Omaha, Kelli (Stephen) Dodd of Lincoln, and Kurt Kodad and Stephanie Oelke of Lincoln; grandchildren, Ashlynn, Kyle, Jadyn, Owen, Logan, Roman, Maximilian and Dominic; siblings and spouses, Lorraine Jirovsky of Seward, Kenny (Pat) of Seward, and Charlene (Bruce) Ebner of Omaha.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lincoln with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the church. The graveside service and interment will be at the Seward Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Kodad family for future designation. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
