Ophelia Katherine Bertha Germann's Obituary
Ophelia Katherine Bertha Germann, 99, of Millstadt, Ill., born March 25, 1916 to Louisa Nollmann, nee Bohley and Henry Nollmann in rural Millstadt, Ill., passed away Monday, July 6, 2015, at Oak Hill in Waterloo, Ill.
She was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Church, was baptized in church as an infant April 30, 1916, confirmed March 24, 1929 and as given the memory verse from Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. She married Howard Fred Germann May 26, 1940, who preceded her in death January 25, 1989.
Ophelia was a homemaker, devoted wife and helpmate, mother, grand and great grandparent and friend. She found joy and fulfillment in helping others wherever she was able. She enjoyed her hobby of raising and caring or flowers as well as designing and sewing beautiful, tailor made suits and clothing. She was an active member of Zion Women’s Fellowship since 1943, helped with Sunday School, teaching for a total of 25 years, member of Zion Bible class and prayer chain, and helped with the “Visitor” newsletter for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1946. For 15 years, she volunteered at the Millstadt Community Center before moving to Garden Place in Millstadt.
Ophelia and her husband, an outdoorsman, touched the lives of many while they owned and operated Spring Lakes Fishng and Campground for 15 years before their retirement. Families enjoyed relaxing in the great outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature, catching fish and camping in a safe, secure environment close to home.
Ophelia was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Germann, her parents, Louisa and Henry Nollmann, brother, Roland Nollmann, sisters and brothers-in-law, Salome and Alvin Mehrtens and Hilda and Weston Patrick, brothers and sisters-in-law, Berthold and Elsie Nollmann, Oscar and Etta Nollmann, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elmer and Ardella Germann, sister-law, Fern Germann and brothers-in-law, Lester Germann and Erwin Doerr.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rose Marie and Gary Fitzgerald of rural Millstadt, Ill., and grandson and his wife, Scott and Sharon Fitzgerald, great grandchildren, Bryce and Megan Fitzgerald of Edwardsville, Ill., sisters-in-law, Florine Doerr and Dorothy Germann. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Garden Place in Millstadt and Oak Hill in Waterloo for their kindness, compassion and care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical Church in Millstadt, Ill., or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt Ill., and on Thursday, July 9, 2015 an hour before the service at the church.
Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Zion Evangelical Church in Millstadt, Ill., with Rev. Darrell Weber, officiating.
Entombment will be in Valhalla Gardens of Memory and Mausoleum in Belleville, Ill.
www.leesmanfuneralhome.com
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