Iona A. Opitz

Obituary

Iona Alvina Emma Opitz was born on November 10, 1926, at home in Transit Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Charles and Amanda (Schultz) Muchow. Iona was baptized as an infant on November 21, 1926, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 6, 1941, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville, Dryden Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She received her education at St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School, Mountville.

On June 20, 1944, Iona was united in marriage to Elsworth Opitz at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville in rural Gaylord by Reverend Alfred Struefert. The couple made their home in Penn Township, McLeod County, where they were engaged in farming. Iona and Elsworth raised three children, Nancy, Kevin and JoWana. In 1992, the couple moved to Glencoe. Iona was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. Iona and Elsworth shared 54 years of marriage when Elsworth passed away on January 14, 1999.

Iona was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Iona helped in delivering Meals On Wheels, and was active in the Glencoe Senior Citizens and the Pioneer Senior Citizens of New Auburn. She was also a member of the Ladies Aide at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township.

Iona enjoyed playing cards, reading, the cabin on Mille Lacs Lake, gardening, quilting, and watching the Minnesota Twins. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When she needed assistance with her care, Iona became a resident of Edenbrook of Edina and passed away there on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the age of 97 years, 5 months, 13 days. Blessed be her memory.

Iona is survived by her:
Children, Nancy Dammann and her husband, Darroel of Young America, MN,
Kevin Opitz and his wife, Ann of Eden Prairie, MN, and
JoWana Opitz and her husband, Jeff Cheney of Savage, MN;
Grandchildren, Megan Bergman and her husband, Erik, Timon Dammann and his wife, Kayla, Tyler Opitz and Cathy Aaseng, Cassy Day and her husband, Evan, Gwen Hadrits and her husband, Tyler;
Great-grandchildren, Carly Bergman, Danna Bergman, Carolynn Dammann, Conrad Dammann, Cheyenne Hadrits;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Iona was preceded in death by her Parents, Charles and Amanda Muchow; Husband, Elsworth Opitz; Parents-in-law, Carl and Ida Opitz; Sisters, Lorena (Hilbert) Schimmelpfennig, Lucille (Gerhardt) Dahlke, Loretta Spencer; Brothers, Wilhardt (Dorothy) Muchow, Milo (Carol) Muchow; Sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Roland) Podratz, Margaret (Bernhard) Draeger, Evelyn (Ervin) Raeth; Brothers-in-law, Leonard (Mardell) Opitz, Edwin (Lorna) Opitz, Theophil (Esther) Opitz.