Dorothy Opem

Dorothy Opem

June 16, 1935 - February 23, 2022

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Obituary

DEFOREST - Dorothy Irene Opem, age 86, of DeForest passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.  She was born on June 16, 1935, in Madison, the daughter of Clarence and Helen (Thomas) Hoepker.  Dorothy met her future husband, Rodney Opem, at the Young Adults Club in Madison, they were married on Jan. 26, 1957.

Dorothy worked for over 40 years for the State of Wisconsin.  Starting out as a receptionist in the Legislative Reference Library where her job included clipping newspaper articles about all legislators. She later worked in the State Division for Handicapped Children where she then retired. Dorothy was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she enjoyed the flower guild and their trips to various flower shows and gardens.  She loved to dance, travel and enjoyed music.  Dorothy loved all animals and had a special place in her heart for cats.

Dorothy always lived in the Pumpkin Hollow School area.  She grew up on the family farm and later she and Rod built a house on the corner of that farm.  Three generations attended the Pumpkin Hollow School, her father Clarence, herself and her children Mike and Kris.

Survivors include her children, Mike Opem, DeForest and Kris (Darrell) Sleighter, Arizona; a sister, Carol (Charlie) Dawsey, Alabama; brother, Donald (Nita) Hoepker, DeForest; aunt, Ruth Weisensel, Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Christopher Steward, Texas and Erica Steward-Riggeal, Texas; step grandchildren, Gabriel Sleighter, Arizona and Summer Sleighter-Cox, Georgia; niece, Jenny (Dennis) Kurtz, Wisconsin; nephews, Kevin (Kay) Hoepker, Minnesota and Todd (Kim) Hoepker, Florida; and numerous cousins including a special cousin, Mary TeWinkel.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney; parents, Clarence and Helen Hoepker; a brother, Gary Hoepker; and a special friend, Bill Murphy.

A funeral service will be held at ST LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4011 Major Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be gifted in Dorothy’s name to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




Events

03
Visitation
Thu Mar 3, 2022 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Luke's Episcopal Church • 4011 Major Ave, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
03
Funeral Service
Thu Mar 3, 2022 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
St. Luke's Episcopal Church • 4011 Major Ave, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
03
Luncheon After Service
Thu Mar 3, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
St. Luke's Episcopal Church • 4011 Major Ave, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
03
Graveside Service
Thu Mar 3, 2022 @ 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

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Dorothy
TT
Tim and Terry Tyson
Other •
We have so many fond memories of times we’ve spent with Dorothy and her son Mike and they will always be cherished. She was such a wonderful person, readily willing to share a good conversation and provide support when you needed it. She cared deeply for her friends and loved ones and you could clearly feel that love. She’ll be missed by so many. Tim and Terry Tyson
PD
Pam Dyer
Other •
I first met Dorothy when I worked for State Capitol Credit Union. After getting to know her, found out that she graduated from DeForest High School in 1953 with my mother Sandra Shire. We shared many laughs and stories. She was a soft spoken woman with much love in her heart. When ever I travel Hoepker Rd. I think of her. My sincere condolences.
JS
Jerry Simono
Other •
If you have met Dorothy, or you know Dorothy, you know what warm, friendly, caring person that she has always been. I was fortunate to work with Dorothy for over 20 years. No matter the atmosphere, no matter the pressure, she was always genuine and caring toward her co-workers. Even after retirement, it was always special when I ran into her at the grocery store. Heaven has gained a special person!!! Jerry Simono
MN
Mary and Ron Naggatz
Other •
We would like to send our sympathy to Dorothy's Family. Our children Dan and Deanna Naggatz were friends with Mike and Kris and rode the same school bus when they were younger. Dorothy also attended many times Madison Christian Women' club which I also attended. We lived just "around the corner" from them on Sommer Valley Circle. Enjoyed Dorothy's friendship and pray for God's comfort to Mike and Kris and all the rest of the family. In Sympathy and love, Mary and Ron Naggatz

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