Opal Marie Irwin

Opal Marie Irwin, 98, of Callaway, Nebraska, passed away Monday, January 13, 2014, at Callaway District Hospital. She was born September 5, 1915, in Bassett, Nebraska to Ira and Nora (Diehl) Summers. She graduated from Rock County High School with the class of 1932. She remained in the Bassett area for a time. She and her family moved to South Dakota in the early 1950’s, where her children numbered six. After the death of her husband, she entered college. She taught in several country schools in Cherry and Brown Counties. She married Axel Irwin in 1965, and Chuck and Nadine joined her family. She worked as a librarian in Ainsworth for a number of years. After she retired, she enjoyed quilting with the ladies in Ainsworth and getting together with other retired teachers. She also helped with GED classes for several years. She remained a teacher at heart for the rest of her life. Opal is survived by one sister, Helen Irwin of Hot Springs, South Dakota; one brother, Wilbur Summers of Columbus, Nebraska; children; John Kaufman of Cochran, Georgia; Willis and Joe Kaufman both of Callaway, Nebraska; Roberta Harper of Absaroke, Montana; Betty Warnke of Callaway, Nebraska; Chuck Irwin of Ainsworth, Nebraska; and, Nadine Irwin of O’Neill, Nebraska; also surviving are many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Opal was preceded in death by both husbands and one son, Don Fridley. The family has honored Opal’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation. Memorial Services will be held Friday, January 17, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Broken Bow Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Lawrence Francis officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.