Opal Klaproth

Opal Lange Klaproth, 89, of Jackson passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Feb. 25, 1932, on the family farm near Tilsit, the daughter of August Otto and Wilhelmina "Minnie" Louise Werner Lange. She and Bobbie "Bob" Lee Klaproth were married Dec. 2, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit. He preceded her in death July 21, 2013.

She attended Tilsit Public School and Immanuel Lutheran School and graduated Jackson High School in 1950. At the age of 19, she purchased what was known as the Umbeck farm, while working at the Jackson shoe factory. When their first son was born in 1953, Opal left the shoe factory to become a full-time homemaker/farmer on the family's Century Farm. Opal loved harvesting fruits and vegetables from her large garden. This also included the pecans off the farm that many locals enjoyed. Opal and Bob built their home in 1955 from lumber that was cut off the farm.

Over the years, she volunteered with 4-H, Southeast Hospital and MFA socials. Opal served 40 years as an election judge, 55 years with the SEMO District Fair, including the fair board and Oak Grove Homemakers Club. She was a member of the Cattle and Pork Producers, working the stands at the Altenburg, Missouri, and the SEMO District fairs.

She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was a current member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aide. Opal enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cross stitching, sewing and bowling with the Tuesday Coffee Drinkers for 42 years and the Seniors Young at Heart for 22 years. She and Bob enjoyed traveling to each state and many cruises. This past September she was even the flower girl at her grandson's wedding, and the whole family got to enjoy the memories with her. The family was blessed to have her in their homes for Christmas, enjoying all her favorite sweet treats and coffee.

Loving survivors include three children, Kerry (Linda) Klaproth and Dan (Valeria) Klaproth, both of Jackson, and Judy Klaproth-Gentry of Cape Girardeau; four grandsons, Lee (April) Klaproth; Philip (Katie) Klaproth and their children, Cooper and Milo; Michael (Amanda) Gentry and their children, Kyler Gentry and Isaac Lanigan; and Christopher Gentry; sister, Marilyn (Bob) Nussbaum of Tilsit; and many nieces and nephews.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bob; a baby brother, and sister and brother-in-law, Olida and Gene Bartels.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jason Shaw officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Ladies Aide of St. Paul.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and clicking on the tribute wall tab on Opal's personal obituary page.