Eleanore was the youngest of eight children and lost her father at a very early age with her mother raising the family. Eleanore attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, and graduated from Brainard High School (currently East Butler) in 1946. She worked at a grocery store and restaurant while growing up in Brainard. After attending Peru State Teacher's College, she taught at School District #48 in Brainard for three years. In 1951 she married the love of her life, Raymond Kobza, at Holy Trinity Church after meeting him at a wedding. Settling in Lincoln, Nebraska to raise their family, Eleanore worked at Elgin Watch Company until it closed and then worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 30 years. She and Ray both retired from Goodyear in 1988. During retirement, they enjoyed traveling until his passing in 1998.
Ray and Eleanore were long-time members of the Sacred Heart Parish as their children grew up and attended school there. When they moved, they became members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she became involved with the Altar Society and Auxiliary of the Pink Sisters and was a member of St. Walter’s Light of the World Community for 14 years. She had a strong faith that she shared with her children.
Eleanore loved to be surrounded by family and took every opportunity to spoil them. Whether it was something she picked up during her beloved trips to CVS and The Dollar Store or creating an elaborate Christmas day, Eleanore was extremely organized and detailed. She was never without her Chapstick or a nail file. After Ray’s passing in 1998, she lived on her own, surrounded by good neighbors and continued to drive until she was 92. Her greatest passion after her Lord and Savior was her family. She spent ample time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed baking, sharing recipes and family get-togethers, including traveling to Colorado, California and a cruise trip to Alaska with most of the family.
Preceded in death by her husband Raymond; parents Anton and Albina Jakub; brothers: Pete, Ray, George, Vic and Leonard; sisters: Alyce (Jakub) Brobst and Sylvia (Jakub) Dalka; Sister-in-law Hilda Jakub.
Eleanore is survived by her children: Alan Kobza (Connie), Wayne Kobza (Laurie), Julie Szalawiga (George), Jerry Kobza (DeAnne); eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 17, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (family in attendance from 6:00 to 7:00 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512 with a rosary at 7pm. Funeral mass is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 7900 Trendwood Dr, Lincoln, NE 68506, with burial at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ray and Eleanore Kobza's name to Sacred Heart Parish.
