Permilla "Millie" P. Opelt

Millie Opelt, age 101, of Neillsville, died Nov. 27, at the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville.

Permilla Phoebe Mack was born on Sept. 15, 1902, in Wausau, the oldest of twelve children to Leon and Jennie Mack. She was united in marriage to Carl Opelt on Nov. 9, 1921, in Waupaca. They came to Neillsville and resided in the Town of Levis. They farmed and ran a gravel business until they retired and the business was turned over to their sons. Millie stayed in her home, and then lived with her daughter, Evelyn Schutte for two years before she moved into the nursing home one year ago. Carl died in 1989.

For many years she loved her garden and canning. She made many quilts and Afghans for her family. She belonged to the Happy Homemakers for 50 years, and was on the school board in the Town of Levis. She cooked at the Neillsville Country Club and the White Horse. She belonged to the sewing circle at the United Church of Christ.

Millie loved life and was always helping people. She will be sadly missed by her family.

She is survived by eleven children, Robert (Dorothy) Opelt, Rudy (Terrie) Opelt, Arnold (Delores) Opelt, all of Neillsville, Bernard (Hanna) Opelt, of Christie, Kenneth (Ruth) Opelt, Evelyn (Don) Schutte, both of Neillsville, Donald (Sue) Opelt of Greenwood, Dale (Betty) Opelt, Jennie (Ben) Urlaub, Dorothy Gutenberger, and Gordon "Butch" (Mary) Opelt, all of Neillsville. Millie is also survived by 75 grandchildren; 230+ great-grandchildren; 50+ great-great-grandchildren; and a brother Gordon (Judy) Mack of Covena, Calif.; twin sisters, Lucille (Willard) Clausen of Ogdensburg, and Luella Lautenbach of Nekoosa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; one son, William; a granddaughter, Marie, a grandson, Keith, and infant grandchildren. two sisters and six brothers.

Funeral services for Millie were held Nov. 29, at the United Church of Christ. Pastor James Mohr officiated. Interment was held in the Neillsville City Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Gerald, Richard, Roger, Steven, Mark, Peter, Rick and Scott Opelt, D.J. Anding, Rory Schutte, John Urlaub and Gary Gutenberger.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Millie's family with arrangements.

Carl & Permilla (Mack) Opelt

Carl and Permilla Opelt family of Neillsville, Clark Co., Wisconsin