Laetare, Opal A.

Opal A. Laetare, 90, was at home in Lisbon, resting peacefully when her Lord and Savior called her to Him on Nov. 18, 2009. A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, where visitation will start at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Opal is survived by her three children: sons Gary (Ida) and Bob and daughter Janet (Harry); 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Ralph Koppelman.

Opal was born Jan. 22, 1919, to Fred J. and Mary L. Koppelman, in Lake City, Iowa. She graduated from Auburn High School. She started her secretarial career at Early High School as secretary to the superintendent. The family moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked at Quaker Oats Union Office. In 1960, she began working at Rockwell Collins in the Collins Airport facility as secretary and FAA-DAS clerk. She was involved with the WIBC and ABWA. In 1982, she retired from Rockwell Collins. 

Opal was a seamstress, and enjoyed needlepoint, crocheting, and all types of crafts. In 1983, she moved to Lisbon with family. In her young adult years she was a member of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, serving as Sunday school teacher and working with youth groups. In 1999, Opal gave her life to Christ and was baptized at the young age of 80. She was a member of the congregation at Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Lisbon. She was a very quiet soul. She never complained about her aches and pains as she always thought we had better things to do or were too busy.

The family will miss her terribly but also will take comfort in knowing that she will be in our hearts no matter where we go or what we do.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Opal's honor.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Opal's family on the Web page,    under obituaries.