Opal Luverne Wittkowski Obituary (1920 - 2018)

Opal Luverne Wittkowski, 98, of Grimes, formerly of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 13 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th St, Des Moines , IA, with visitation following. Opal was born on May 29, 1920, in Crookston, MN to Gilbert and Mabel Sanoden. After graduating from Thief River Falls High School, Opal taught in a country school for two years and then earned her teaching degree from Bemidji State Teachers College. During WWII she left Minnesota for greater adventures in California. While in CA, she met the love of her life, Bill Wittkowski, an ensign with the US Merchant Marines. They married on January 31, 1946, in Holt, MN. and settled in the Avon Lake and Carlisle area. Opal substitute taught in the Des Moines Public School System and later became a teacher associate at Ruby Van Meter School. She was actively involved at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and holding various positions in the church and women's groups. She volunteered for many years at Luther Park Community and served on their care review board. Opal enjoyed music, reading and growing roses. Her greatest joy came from time spent with family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; and along with Bill, created a loving happy home. Opal and Bill's marriage of 72 years was a beautiful example of unconditional love. Opal is survived by her husband William "Bill" Wittkowski; children, William (Teri) Wittkowski of Eldridge, Wynelle (Scott) Lindsley of Marion, Wendlyn (Tim) Haight of Johnston, and Deborah (Jan) Beaudway of Hudson, WI; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Russell Sanoden and Gladys Borchert. Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and the Carlisle Public Library.