OPAL GEWEKE

Opal Louise Geweke passed away on 1/6/18 at her home in Lodi, California. She was the wife of Daryl Geweke, her loving husband. Together they shared 68 years of marriage.

Born in rural Madison County, Nebraska on July 14, 1927, she was the fourth of eight children, born to Laura (Freudenburg) and Henry Demmel. She was baptized and confirmed at ST. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison, Nebraska. Opal graduated from Madison High School in 1945. Opal then moved to Omaha, Nebraska with her sister Mildred. In Omaha, Opal joined First Lutheran Church where she was very active in Walther League. Opal sang in the choir, in a trio and often sang solos during the church services. After attending business school, she worked at Physicians Casualty Insurance Company where she met her good friend, Viola (Suhr) Rathe. On a blind date, Vi introduced Opal to Daryl Geweke. On their first date, Opal and Daryl went to Peony Park in Omaha where they danced the night away and fell in love. In 1949, Opal and Daryl moved to Stockton, California where they wed and their four children were born. Opal and Daryl moved to Lodi in 1966. Opal was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Lodi. There she took great joy in her friends and fellow congregants, always busy and involved with the many activities offered by her church. Opal’s strong belief in Jesus and her Christian faith sustained her and was a central part of her life. Opal was a great mother and wife. Opal was a fantastic cook and took great pleasure in entertaining her large family and friends during holidays and throughout the year. Along with her culinary skills, Opal was highly accomplished in sewing and quilting. All of this brought her much happiness. Opal will be remembered for the kindness and caring she gave to those fortunate enough to know her. Throughout Opal’s life, she was someone others loved to be with, she was so pleasant and genuine.

Opal is survived by her husband Daryl and their children Jane (Willett), Larry, Debbie (Sholin) and Mark. Opal is also survived by four of her eight brothers and sisters, Mildred Peterson and Delores Blakeman of Arizona and Lester Demmel of Omaha, Nebraska and Leola Luedtke of Lincoln, Nebraksa. Opal is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Opal will be so dearly missed.

The memorial service will be held on 1/21/18 at 2PM at St. Peters Lutheran Church Lodi, Ca. with private interment. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Parochial School or a charity of your choice.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.