Gerald 'Jerry' P. Opahle

Gerald “Jerry” P. Opahle, age 89, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Jerry was born in Racine, March 8, 1922, son of the late Joseph and Anne (Nee: Dresen) Opahle.

Jerry served in the United States Army in the European Theatre of War. On January 5, 1943, in Odessa, Texas, he was united in marriage to Marie B. Gross, who preceded him in death on March 1, 2010. Jerry was employed by Precise Products for twenty-nine years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. Jerry enjoyed woodworking and yard work. Above all he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his seven children, Gerald Opahle (Patti), Patricia (Dennis) Maller, John (Sue) Opahle, David (Kathy) Opahle, Richard (Gayle) Opahle, Jeffrey (Kim) Opahle, Robert Opahle (Mary Ellen); grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Scott, Nikki, Stacy, Greg, Ryan, Jennifer, Krissy, Kyle, Ben, Jennie, and Becky; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lucille Soens, Margaret (Clyde) Sustacheck, Edward Reagan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Russell, Joseph, Esther, Margaret, Kathryn and Isabelle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St., with Rev. Don Zerkel officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. Memorials to St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church have been suggested.

A special thank you to the Wheaton Franciscan All Saints nurses and staff and Lincoln Village staff for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888