Lau, Opal (Phelps) - 1908-1998

PHELPS, FISHEL, LAU

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 9/2/2011 at 10:58:14

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON STANDARD, March 4, 1998
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

Funeral services for Opal Lau, age 89, of Waukon, Iowa were held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 27, 1998 at the Waterville Lutheran Church with Pastor Kim Thacker and Pastor Jill Sanders officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Casket bearers were Richard Hermanson, John Erickson, Chuck Weipert, John Donahue, Rudy Hesla, and Howard Kolsrud. Honorary bearers were Earl Iverson, Leo McCormick, Orville Nelson, and Dick Christianson.

Opal, daughter of Wilbur and Stella (Fishel) Phelps, was born March 19, 1908 in Colesburg, Iowa. She graduated from Colesburg High School in 1925. On February 24, 1927 she married Gordon Lau in Manchester, Iowa. They farmed near Delhi, Iowa for three years before moving to the Waterville, Iowa area to farm. In 1976 they moved into Waterville. Opal worked as a cook at the Waterville School for several years. In 1994 she moved to Colesburg, Iowa for three years before returning to Waukon, and became a resident in the Good Samaritan Center in 1997. She joined the Lutheran Church in 1942 and was an active member of Waterville Lutheran Church and its women's circles. Opal also served as a volunteer at Makee Manor, Northgate Care Center, and the Good Samaritan Center. She was also a member of the Golden Girl's card club.

Opal Lau died Tuesday, February 24, 1998 at the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gordon, a son Gerald Lau; 5 sisters, Dessie, Babe, Sylvia, Mary, and Lucille; and 8 brothers, Lincoln Phelps, Levi Phelps, Martin Phelps, Merton Phelps, John Phelps, Ross Phelps, Wilbur Phelps, and Otto Phelps.

Opal is survived by 4 sons, Don (Arlene) Lau of Traer, Iowa, David (Patricia) Lau of Donnelson, Iowa, James (Mary) Lau of Dubuque, Iowa, and Curtis (Davene) Lau of Baggs, Wyoming; 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

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