Virginia Opelt

Virginia (Sue) L. Opelt, 87, Greenwood passed away peacefully at home under the care of her family and St. Croix Hospice.  A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29 at the family property. 

Virginia (Sue) Church was born December 3, 1935, in Marshfield, to George and Leah (nee Wildish) Church.  She grew up on the family farm and attended Silvercrest Elementary School in Neillsville and Neillsville High School, graduating in 1953.  Sue was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donald G. Opelt, on May 22, 1953 in Iowa.  Early in their marriage she and Donald worked in Illinois before purchasing their dairy farm south of Greenwood. 

Besides becoming a successful farmer, Sue had many other interests including knitting, quilting, birdwatching, and gardening.  She frequented the Greenwood Public Library, was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Canada, Peru, England, Switzerland, Italy, Kenya, and Tanzania.  Annually, Sue and Donald would take a mix of kids and grandkids on a trip West in their RV camper.  Sue loved animals so there was always a menagerie of dogs, cats, cockatoos, bottle-fed lambs, rabbits, piglets, peacocks, horses, llamas, and donkeys in her life. For many years she was a volunteer leader in 4-H and a volunteer tutor at Greenwood Elementary School.  She was a member of Clark County homemakers, Christie Methodist Church, and the Methodist Ladies Aide.  She loved her large family and until recently hosted all the holiday celebrations and frequent family breakfasts.

Sue is survived by her husband, Donald Opelt, and her children: Diane Opelt (Kevin Syth) of Greenwood, Jody Stieglitz (Wes) of Greenwood, Peter Opelt (Jeanne) of Greenwood, Kaye Ewoldt (Brian) of Neillsville, Julie Wetzel (Jerry) of Greenwood, Pat Opelt (Barb) of Greenwood, Joe Opelt (Evelin) of Swamp Scott, Massachusetts, and Kristen Opelt (Brandon Elmer) of Greenwood; 26 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Leah Church; her brother, Eugene Church; and an infant great-granddaughter.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.      

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