Opal Mae Bennefeld

Opal Mae Bennefeld, age 93, of Nixa passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2017. She was born on April Fool's Day, April 1, 1924, in Kingman, KS to Tom and Iona Giertz. Opal moved to Girard, KS with her parents in 1930. She attended Girard Schools and graduated in 1942. Opal worked at Vennings Variety Store until she married William T. Bennefeld in 1946. She gave birth to her daughter Kathleen in 1948. She and Bill bought Bill's Cleaners in 1958 and Opal worked there for 15 Years. Most of Opal's life was raising her daughter and caring for her family. She also cared for her invalid mother for 20 years. Opal was very active in United Methodist Church of Girard and taught Sunday school for many years. Opal and her husband moved to Nixa in 2004 and resided with her daughter and son-in-law. Bill passed away shortly after moving to Nixa. Opal's family and friends would like to thank her helpful neighbors and the hospice care workers who took such good care of her for the last five years. Opal is survived by her daughter Kathleen; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Opal is preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; a brother Robert Giertz; and a son-in-law Patrick Osiescki. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2017 in the Girard City Cemetery, Girard, KS. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the United Methodist Church 614 W. St. Johns Girard, KS 66743.