Obit: Opelt, Irene Mary (1920 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Behling, Brecht, Clarkson, Grenda, Jari, Jocefiak, Lekie, Lewandowski, Lukewich, Mallo, Neumueller, Opelt, Piller, Stefancin, Tyznik, Unrau, Weiler

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 9/04/2015

Opelt, Irene Mary (Lewandowski) Lukewich Piller (16 FEB 1920 - 2 SEP 2015)

Irene Mary Opelt, age 95, died at Aspirus Care and Rehab, Wednesday September 2, 2015 at 5:00 PM, under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday September 5, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Deacon Joe Stefancin, officiating. Interment will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford, WI. Pallbearers are Jesse Lukewich, Mark Weiler, Reece Neumueller, Don Unrau, Jr., Shawn Lekie, Bruce Lewandowski, Kelsey Tyznik, Lisa Tyznik. Honorary pallbearers are Valerie Lekie, Carolyn Clarkson, Stacie Mallo, Anne Weiler, Heidi Neumueller, Kathy Brecht, Rose Unrau.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.

Irene was born on February 16, 1920, in Medford, WI, to Walter and Mary (Jocefiak) Lewandowski.

She was married to Paul Lukewich, Sr., August 1, 1942, whom preceded her in death in 1980. She then married Art Piller, on January 25, 1981, whom preceded her in death in 1986. She then married Max Opelt on May 1, 1991, whom preceded her in death on October 5, 2005.

Irene and Paul owned a dairy farm in the Town of Hammel. While owning and operating the farm, she also worked as a cook for the Black Bear Inn in Medford. She then owned “Sisters Restaurant” on “Miracle Mile” in Medford. Irene also worked at Chapperal in Whittlesey. Irene also drove school bus for Wayside School in the Town of Hammel.

She loved to ice fish, playing cards, and Bingo. Irene loved to complete different crafts, especially projects in which she could knit different items. Her family never went hungry, and she will always be remembered by being an excellent cook, especially her desserts. She loved spending time with her family, especially all of her Grandchildren.

Irene was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, VFW POST# 5729 Ladies Auxiliary, Goodrich Farmers Union and the Chelsea Conservation Club.

Survivors include her children, Shirley Lukewich of Medford, Paul (Sandy) Lukewich of Medford, George (Beth) Lukewich of Medford, grandchildren, Don Unrau, Jr., Carolyn (Bruce) Clarkson, Lisa (Carl) Tyznik, Kathy (Troy Jay) Brecht, Rose Unrau, Valerie (Shawn) Lekie, Stacie (Justin) Mallo, Jesse (Nikki) Lukewich, Anne (Mark) Weiler, Heidi (Reece) Neumueller, 10 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Pearl Grenda of Texas, and special friends, Richard “Richie” and Alice Lewandowski of Chicago, IL,
and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mary (Jocefiak) Lewandowski, siblings, Matthew, George, John, Richard, Sylvester Lewandowski, Alice Jari, Evelyn Behling. She is also predeceased by two children in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and Rib Lake Golden Living Center; Activities.