Earl Burton Opgenorth, 96, of Sheboygan Falls and Lakewood, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Sheboygan Health Services.
Earl was born to Anton and Vera (Schuchardt) Opgenorth on May 18, 1928, in the Town of Sheboygan. He graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1947. Earl was united in marriage to Betty Drews on October 25, 1947, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Earl worked at Pinehurst Farms as a farm hand for 50 years before moving to Lakewood and working part time at the Lakewood Fish Hatchery for 10 years.
Earl was an active member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls and St. John Lutheran Church ina Lakewood. Earl was a member of the Sheboygan County Beekeepers Association, was a Sheboygan County Fair Volunteer, 4-H Leader for many years, and was a big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Earl is survived by his daughter, Karen (Brad) Rothe of Milwaukee; son, Terry (Diane) Opgenorth of Mayville; daughter-in-law, Shirley Opgenorth of Green Bay; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Marian Filbrandt of South Haven, MI; sister-in-law Carol Drews of Sheboygan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; daughter, Linda; son, Mark; infant son, Steven; parents; parents-in-law, Fred and Flora Drews; siblings, Vernon Opgenorth, Melvin Opgenorth, Carol (Chester) Bahr; sisters-in-law, Helen Opgenorth, Jeanette Opgenorth, Anita Opgenorth; brothers-in-law, Chester Bahr, Harold Filbrandt, Frederick Drews.
A visitation will take place at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00pm. A private family inurnment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A memorial service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Townsend at a later date.
The family suggests memorials in Earl’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church (Sheboygan Falls), St. John Lutheran Church (Townsend), Sheboygan County 4-H Alumni Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline, or charity of choice.
Earl’s family sends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Sheboygan Health Services for the tender loving care proved to Earl the last several months.
The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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