Opal Catherine Nelson

Opal Catherine Nelson, 89, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2009 at Bethany Home in Waupaca. She was born September 30, 1920 in Neenah, WI the daughter of Otto and Caroline (Nelson) Marquardt. She married Oliver Niemuth on January 27, 1940 in East Bloomfield, WI. They had three children and later divorced. On August 26, 1953 she married Vernon Nelson in Lomira, WI. He preceded her in death on August 8, 1995. Opal worked as a cook at the old Bratwurst restaurant in downtown Waupaca for many years, Zwicker Knitting Mills for 10 years, and as a cook for the Waupaca School District for 15 years until her retirement. She served countless hot lunches to students at Gards Corners, Barton and Chain O’ Lakes schools. In her younger days Opal loved to bowl and was a member and secretary of the women’s bowling league for many years at the Third Ward. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Poy Sippi since 1962 and became a Gold Star Mother after losing her son Philip in the US Navy. Opal loved traveling and enjoyed seeing much of the United States over the years with family and friends. She always loved a good car ride. She lived most of her life on Clark Street in Waupaca and her main joy in life has always been spending time with her family. Opal was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Oliver; her husband Vernon; son, Philip Niemuth; granddaughter, Jackie Niemuth; brother, James Marquardt; sisters Erma Quimby, LaRita Stahl, Yvonne Stiebs, Violet Hahn, and half-sisters Anna Nelson and Verna McCloy. Survivors include her daughter, Catherine (Duane) Abrahamson, Manawa; her son, James (Judy) Niemuth, Hawthorn Woods IL; grandchildren David (Kelly) Abrahamson and Mary (Tony) Kowaleski, Manawa; Jamie Niemuth Sabel, Hanover Park, IL; and Philip (Lori) Niemuth, Waupaca; great-grandchildren Lindsay and Alex Kowaleski, and Lance and Ashley Niemuth; sisters Betty Erickson, Wauwatosa; Gay (Arlyn) Kempf, and Ardella Rousseau, of Waupaca; special friend Carol (Dale) Peters, Waupaca, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Opal had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Her family would like to thank the staff of Heartwood at Bethany Home and Dr. Oetken for their care of Opal over the past several years. The funeral service will be on Wednesday November 4, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Waupaca at 11 A.M. Pastor Jennifer DeNetz will officiate. Internment will be at Park Cemetery, Ogdensburg following the funeral service. Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 3, 2009 at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M, and again at the church on Wednesday from 10 A.M. until time of the service at 11 A.M.

Opal Catherine Nelson

September 30, 1920 - October 30, 2009