Rest in Peace Jim Welna
1953-2025
Our community lost a treasured neighbor when Jim Welna passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 26th. Jim and his wife Sue operated Welna II Hardware on East 22nd Avenue and Franklin for 24 years, but Jim’s impact went far beyond the store. He served as president of the Seward Civic and Commerce Association for many years and was known for his generous spirit—from providing hardware supplies for the Seward Garden Tour and National Night Out to personally helping neighbors with home repairs, often refusing payment.
“I like helping people,” Jim would say with his characteristic sparkly eyes. His compassion and community leadership touched countless Seward residents. Jim is deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family has requested that memorials be sent to Agate Housing and Services in Minneapolis. We encourage neighbors to share their memories of Jim and carry forward his kindness in our community.
– By Sue Welna
