Francis 'Van' W. Van Opens

Francis “Van” W. Van Opens, 95, passed away at home on December 28, 2014. Born in Republic, Michigan, to the late Peter Van Opens and Elizabeth (Zeitler), he served in the army during WWII, was a graduate of Marquette University and worked for many years as a CPA in Milwaukee.

He had been a member of the Milwaukee Downtown Rotary Club and, upon retirement, the West Racine Rotary Club. He was a wonderful provider and father and will be missed by his children and grandchildren: Peter (Gina) Van Opens of Oconomowoc, Katie (Jeff) Nelson and Pattie (Rick) Otto of Racine; grandchildren: Matthew, Paul (Becky), Lisa, David, Julie and Libby; great-grandsons: Travis and Benjamin.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lois (Wilbershide); his sisters-and-brothers-in-law:  James and Helen Wilbershide, Dorothy and Robert Fisler; and nephew, Bob Wilbershide.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 6400 Spring St., on Friday, January 2, 2015, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Private interment will be held. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church or St. Catherine’s High School.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Home Instead Senior Care, especially Ingrid, Zee, Kimberly, Penny and Connie, for their kind and compassionate care over the last few years.  In addition, they would like to thank Wheaton-Franciscan Home Health and Hospice for their support.

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