Opal Pensel-Duncan

Opal Pensel-Duncan passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 17, 1923, in Vanita, Oklahoma, daughter of Joseph F. and Myrtle M. Duschell.

Growing up in Pink Root Holler, Opal attended grade school at Indian Creek School and was a graduate of College High School in 1940. She was also a graduate of Steimle Business School.

She loved gardening, bird feeding and watching, and was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, where she served on the greeters committee, altar guild, and was a long-time member of the Ladies Junior Aid.

She married 2nd Lt. Ralph A. Pensel on Oct. 25, 1942. Ralph passed away April 12, 1983.

She then married Charles E. Duncan on Nov. 23, 1991. Charles passed away Aug. 6, 2001.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and four sisters.

During World War II, while Ralph was serving in Italy, Opal worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and in Cape Girardeau.

She helped open the new Sears store in Cape Girardeau, serving as a division manager of ladies at home wear, from 1963 until 1973.

Opal was baptized into the Christian faith in October 1932, being confirmed as a Lutheran in April 1943.

She is survived by one sister, Lois Aime of McMinnville, Oregon; and three sons, Ronald (Jan) Pensel of Battleground, Washington, Tim (Mary) Pensel of Cape Girardeau and Rob (Debbie) Pensel of Cape Girardeau. Also by three grandchildren, Kristine Grabel (Wes) of Cape Girardeau, Jill Mosebach of Brooklyn, New York, and Josh Pensel (Kenzie Cullen) of St. Louis; one great-granddaughter, Zea Grabel of Cape Girardeau; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation or funeral, only graveside rights to be attended by immediate family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.