Obituary of Harriet L. Opelt
With sorrow and great hope, the family of Harriet L. Opelt, 88, announces her peaceful passing on March 29, 2023.
Harriet was born on May 20, 1934 in Joliet. She loved to watch her father work on things and grew up knowing how to fix anything. She loved to learn about everything including plumbing and building. Harriet was creative and talented. She could play the piano, sing, cook, paint, sew everything from quilts to bathing suits, plant beautiful gardens, and help with any ailment.
Community was important to Harriet. It showed in her jobs, local activities, and family life. Harriet was an X-ray Technician earlier in life and she worked at an infirmary for nuns later in life. She was a natural with patients and with giving comfort. She was very active at Asbury Methodist Church in Bettendorf, Iowa helping children and adults. Harriet was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She helped her own children all achieve the highest ranks in scouting. Her one daughter is a First Class Girl Scout and all three sons are Eagle Scouts. Harriet planned many neighborhood parties and played in a Pinochle group. Any event she was involved in had beautiful decorations and food that not only tasted fantastic but had fabulous presentation.
Harriet enjoyed life and people. She was not afraid to go anywhere or try anything. One of her favorite joys in life was her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them and doing anything she could for them. They will continue her legacy of love.
Harriet is survived by her children, Dr. David A. Opelt, Deborah L. Dyschkant (Greg Miller), Robert W. (Michelle) Opelt, Scott M. (Katy) Opelt; her six grandchildren, Kylie Opelt, Lindy (Rogelio) Rivera, Lucas Dyschkant, Alexandria Dyschkant (Kyle Soumar), Robert Opelt, and Benjamin Opelt; and five great grandchildren, Ethan VandenLangenberg, Amelia VandenLangenberg, Ricardo Rivera, Mateo Rivera, and Elias Rivera.
Harriet was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert Walter Opelt, the love of her life.
The family of Harriet would like to send heartfelt thanks to all at Lexington/Bella Terra of Bloomingdale who have tenderly cared for her for the last four and a half years.
Harriet’s undying faith sustained her all her life and we are sure it will continue to sustain her now and forever.
Private family services for Harriet will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
