July 6, 2008

Detroit News article on Jeanne Omelenchuk.

DETROIT NEWS ARTICLE

Monday, June 30, 2008 Jeanne Omelenchuk, Warren Art teacher won skating, cycling titles Jim Lynch / The Detroit News

When she wanted something, Jeanne Omelenchuk put everything she had into getting it. And more often than not, that meant she got it.

In her 77 years, that determination led her to reach several lofty goals -- national champion, Olympian, teacher, City Council member and mother.

Mrs. Omelenchuk, a longtime Warren resident, died Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Lapeer Regional Medical Center from an undisclosed illness.

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"There wasn't anything she didn't do that she wanted to, and she had plans for more," said daughter Kristin Sluka. "She wasn't ready to relax. She said that a couple of times recently: 'I'm not ready to relax.' "

Mrs. Omelenchuk, born in 1931, used her skills as a speed skater to make three U.S. Olympic Teams: in 1960, 1968 and 1972.

She won national titles in speed skating in 1958, 1962 and 1965 and six North American titles between 1957 and 1965.

Over the years, her passion for the international competition never waned.

"She was an avid supporter of the Olympics," Sluka said. "She was always wearing Olympic sweatshirts, pins and buttons."

She was also a national cycling champion in 1952, 1955, 1978, 1979 and 1981.

A graduate of Southeastern High School and later Wayne State, Mrs. Omelenchuk was a middle school art teacher in the Detroit Public Schools system.

Mrs. Omelenchuk also served as a member of Warren City Council from 1985-95.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Omelenchuk, and survived by Sluka, her daughter.

Visitation is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. today at Roth-Muir Funeral Home, 296 S. Main Street in Romeo. A service will follow at 6 p.m.