Opal Hannah Giedinghagen, 95, of Owensville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Gasconade Manor Nursing Home in Owensville.
She was born July 27, 1923, to John William and Fridia B. (Schlottach) Schaefferkoetter in Bem. In 1942, she graduated from Owensville High School.
On Aug. 3, 1946, she was married to Eugene Giedinghagen at St. Peter’s E&R Church in Owensville. She was a loving, supportive mother to Patricia and Kurt. Gene and Opal were married for fifty-four years and spent most of their married life in Owensville.
During her working career, Opal was employed by Union Shoe Company, Homer C. Michel Insurance Agency, Carps Department Store, and the Gasconade County R-2 School District. Opal also managed the Owensville Fidelity Telephone Co. business office and completed over 25 years of service.
Opal served her community in many ways. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ where she was a Sunday school teacher and member of the Dorcus Circle. She enjoyed creating many beautiful quilts with her church quilting friends. She was a member of the Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary, and Owensville Alumni Association. She volunteered at the Gasconade County Historical Society and the Gasconade County Fair. Opal was always willing to donate one of her pies to a community event.
Opal had many special interests and talents. Spending time with nature was always dear to her heart. She especially loved watching the blue birds and hummingbirds in her yard and gardening. In the summer, she frequently could be found selling her extra produce at the local Farmer’s Market. She also enjoyed playing pinochle with her card club friends and creating lovely items using her talent for sewing, crochet, and embroidery work. Opal took great pleasure in providing home cooked meals to her family and friends.
Opal was proceeded in death by her parents, William and Fredia Schaefferkoetter; husband, Gene Giedinghagen; brothers, Lloyd (in infancy), William, Edward, and Armin; sisters, Zelma Bledsoe and Alma Graves; and son-in-law, Donald Struebing. She is survived by her two children, Patricia Struebing of Jacksonville, Fla. and Kurt Giedinghagen (Jane) of Independence; three grandsons, Brian (Kara) and Jonathan Struebing of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Greg Giedinghagen of Independence; a great-granddaughter, Adaline Opal Struebing; nine nieces, and four nephews.
Opal was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great pride in her family and community. She will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Owensville.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Stephanie DeLong officiating.
Burial will be in Owensville City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville.
