Howard D. Opal

Monday, August 7, 2023, Howard D. Opal, loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away at the age of 84.

He was born November 27, 1938 in Waukegan, Illinois, son of the late Arthur and Alma (Kramer) Opal.  On September 29, 1962 he married Virginia VerHagen in Waukegan, Illinois. He served in the United States Army as a young man and spent his working years as an electrician for Wisconsin Public Service

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, his granddaughter, Sara Wolfe, brothers, Harry Opal and Arthur Opal, brothers-in-law, Wayne Bachor, Jerry Snider and Joe Pankratz; sister-in-law, Shirley Opal.

He is survived by his children, Todd (Kris) Opal, Michelle Opal (Mitch Bottomley), Madeleine Opal (Bob Procario), Maureen (Bob) Roux, and Tim (Lori) Opal, his grandchildren, Blake (Brett) Opal-Wahoske, Jason Wolfe, Carly (Andy) Plamann, Austin Opal, Asha Opal, Alec Roux, Jacob Opal; sisters, Rose Pankratz, Eileen (Don) Lile, Nancy (Mike) Corbis, Charlene Snider, Shirley Schrof, Carol Bachler; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Howard and Virginia built a beautiful life together that included five children and eight amazing grandchildren.  The years were filled with simple moments which included family meals around the kitchen table, great conversations of life and laughs, evening bicycle rides or walks around the neighborhood visiting as they went with friends and neighbors, family travels, camping, fishing, especially times in Canada with family, golfing, time with their friends; bowling leagues, ballroom dancing.

In retirement, they spent many winters in Florida and Texas walking the beaches, enjoying the sunshine.  This is where he discovered a talent in wood carving.  Back home he would join a wood carver group, meeting new friends while he honed his craft.  When Virginia could no longer be home he filled his time with visits to see her, walking the halls hand in hand, visiting with staff and other residents.  When she could no longer walk he wheeled her through the halls, as she lost her speech he would fill in the gaps of her conversation for her.  Howard adored his beloved Giny.  When he was not with her he joined several social circles, the great people and staff at Francks Gym were a daily part of his day for years, he joined pool leagues, cribbage and sheep head groups.  Meals and time out visiting with family and friends brought great joy.  He loved his precious time with his grandchildren he was so very proud of the beautiful individuals they had grown into.  Howard beamed with pride when he was around them.  He had a way of lifting the energy in the room just by entering it with his bright beautiful smile and hearty, contagious laughter.

The world is a dimmer with your passing for sure.  The heavens have gained one hell of an angel.  Hope you are walking hand in hand through the pathways of heaven with your sweetheart and all who have gone before you.  Til we meet again keep loving forever more.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau.  Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at St. Anne Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com