Obituary: Eleanor Lillian Welps

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Eleanor Lillian Welps

(nee Polak)

Eleanor Lillian Welps, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, surrounded by the love of her family. Eleanor was born on April 2, 1931, the daughter of the late John and Anela (nee Manak) Polak. Born and raised in Chicago, Eleanor attended Five Holy Martyrs Grade School and was a graduate of Kelly High School, where she was involved in many clubs and activities. Side by side, Jim and Eleanor started Welps and Company in Chicago, which later moved to Crest Hill, IL. After Jim passed away in 1978, she took the reins and ran the company until her retirement. After being widowed at 47 years old, the most challenging and amazing accomplishment of her life was raising five children alone. Her passion was following sports and activities of her children, which then transitioned into following sports and activities for her 14 grandchildren. World events were followed by reading two newspapers a day. She never missed a Bears or Cubs game and she loved the challenge of finishing a crossword puzzle.

Eleanor embraced her Catholic faith and led by example. She was a longtime active parishioner of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield. As a member of St. Mary’s Widows and Widowers (WOW), she was secretary. Her involvement resulted in lifelong friendships and support.

Eleanor was a lifelong member of the Metropolitans, a philanthropic and social club, and was an active member of Mended Hearts of St. Joseph Hospital, which she embraced after her heart surgery in 2002. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet kept her involved and giving. She was awarded Companion of the Year in 2006. She stayed busy with weekly home visits for the Senior Companion Program for over thirteen years, as she enjoyed reading, praying and visiting with the homebound. A rewarding experience she cherished was reading to and praying with a blind gentleman.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Patricia (Thomas) Grabowski of Romeoville, IL, Pamela (Michael) Condux of Plainfield, IL, Joseph (Mary) Welps of Wilmington, IL, Joyce (Jason) Scott of Plainfield, IL, and Joanne (Michael) Vercelote of Shorewood, IL; grandchildren, Michelle (Peter) Henning, Laura (Benjamin) Graver; Rob Foreman, Jodi (Danny Hernandez) Foreman, Ryan Foreman, Joseph L. Welps, Nina Welps, Eric (Sue Ellen) Welps, Emily Welps, Sr. Allison Welps, Blake Scott, Christian Scott, Kylee Vercelote, and Benjamin Vercelote; and her great-grandchildren, Landon and Bryson Graver, Addison Foreman, Daniel Hernandez, and Joseph and Connor Welps. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded by her loving husband, Joseph James “Jim” Welps; her parents; and her four brothers, Stanley Polak, Edward (Jean) Polak, Joseph (Phyllis) Polak, Walter “Pete” (Dolores) Polak.

Funeral Services for Eleanor Lillian Welps will be held at 9:15 a.m., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave. Shorewood IL where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice for graveside services. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the funeral home chapel from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the American Heart Association.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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