Judy Opsal

Judy Ann Kelly Opsal of Sac City died of cancer on April 20, 2005, at 7:05 a.m. at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City. She was 49 years old. Judy was born March 5, 1956, in Estherville, Iowa, to John and Janyce Kelly (Preston) of Armstrong, Iowa. She married Ross Opsal on August 9, 1980, and Sarah Jo was born on July 28, 1984. Judy was a 1974 graduate of Armstrong Community High School and was a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. Judy worked for a number of years as a medical transcriber in New Hampton and was the director of the Hawkeye Area Agency on Aging in Chickasaw County. She also worked for the Henry County office of Iowa State Extension in Mt. Pleasant for over 15 years before moving to Sac City where she worked for the American National Bank in Sac City and Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. Judy enjoyed gardening, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. Judy was a PEO sister and a deacon in the First United Presbyterian Church in Sac City. Her family says that Judy was a lover of life and a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her strong, brave, and humorous spirit is and always will be with us.

Survivors include her husband Ross, daughter Sarah, parents John/Janyce Kelly of Armstrong, Iowa, sisters Dorothy (Roger) Graff of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Linda (Steve) Scott of Algona, Iowa, Nancy (Cliff) Bergeson of Roseberg, Oregon, Marilee (Eric) Vogel of Willmar, Minnesota, and brothers Tim (Karma) Kelly of Humboldt, South Dakota, Brian (Marci) Kelly of Lake Park, Iowa, and various nieces and nephews. In-laws include Leroy/Dona Opsal of Armstrong, Iowa, Wendy (Bill) Oleson of Armstrong, Iowa, and Michele (Chris) Doskocil of Keller, Texas, and various nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City on Friday, April 22, 2005, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Judy has requested one final “Hat Party” and everyone is asked to wear their favorite hat (hats will be provided for anyone who needs one).

A funeral service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Sac City on Saturday, April 23, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch being served at 12:00 in the Fellowship Hall.

Judy’s body will be laid to rest at 3:30 p.m. in the Swea Township Cemetery in Swea City, Iowa. One can find the Swea Township Cemetery by going 5 miles east of Armstrong on highway 9 and then turn north on P-20 for ½ mile. There will be coffee and cookies served at the First Presbyterian Church in Armstrong immediately following the burial.

Because Judy actively supported and contributed to the American Cancer Society the family has decided that any memorial money that is given will be donated to this organization in Judy’s name.