Opal Kirstein
July 11, 1918 — January 7, 2007
Opal Alice Kirstein, 88, of Gothenburg, NE died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on January 7, 2007. She was born on July 11, 1918 to John and Etta (Rings) Kraft in rural Wheeler County, NE. Her early years were spent in Kansas and then after living briefly in Callaway, NE her family moved to Elgin, NE. On March 16, 1938 she married Everett LeRoy Kirstein. They lived on a farm near Elgin until moving to Neligh, NE in 1940. After moving to Neligh the couple had three daughters and resided there until moving to Gothenburg, NE in 1957. Opal worked as a nurses aide for many years in Neligh and then in Cozad and Gothenburg. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Gothenburg. Opal was a loving, gentle woman who enjoyed quilting, gardening, canning, cooking and baking. She made the best apple pie in the world. She adored her family and loved spending time with them. Her seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren meant the world to her and filled her life with joy. Opal is survived by her three daughters; Bonny (Thomas) Dunphy of Gothenburg, Janet (Richard) Ostendorf of Gothenburg and Alyce (Nick) Schaaf of Emmet, NE. Seven grandchildren; Daren (Karen) Knoell, Jennifer (Jeff) Kragh, Stephanie (Steve) Rucker, Matt (Sonni) Ostendorf, Thomas (Charity) Dunphy II, Falycia Wagenaar and Spencer Wagenaar; Ten great grandchildren; Oliver and Chloe Knoell, Justin Kragh, Jordan and Cameron Rucker, Shaila, Mackinzie and Savannah Ostendorf and Avery and Bethany Dunphy, Four sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Everett (6-12-1985), one sister Hazel Hauser and four brothers: Dale, Donald, John and William Kraft and one son-in-law Brian Wagenaar. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, NE. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 12, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gothenburg with Pastor Matt Coplen officiating Burial will take place at the Gothenburg Cemetery Memorial may be directed to the family at 718 10th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138