Johanna M. Opicka, 93, formerly of Kewaunee, passed away March 21, 2022, at the Algoma Long Term Care Center. She was born May 21, 1928, to Ernest and Louise (Hafeman) Kroening in Algoma. On June 2, 1948, she married Elton (Bob) Simonar at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma. They had 2 children, Ronnie and Gail. Bob passed away in 1960. On June 11, 1966, Johanna was united in marriage to Henry Opicka at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma. They had a daughter, Brenda. Henry passed away in 2021. Johanna enjoyed sewing for her grandchildren, crocheting, embroidering, picking weeds, and enjoying time with her family. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee, and a member of the Happy Hoppers and went dancing until 2019.
She is survived by her daughters, Gail (Alan) Zellner of Kewaunee, Brenda (Alan) Hirst of Kewaunee; daughter-in-law, Pat Simonar (special friend Wayne) of New Franken; 4 grandchildren, April Massey, Amy Terrien, Kevin (Peggy) Zellner, Kim (Mike) Rossa; seven great-grandchildren, Ben Massey, Jared Zellner (special friend Elise), Kirsten Massey, Brittany Kostichka, Xavier Terrien, Zach Kostichka, Justin Zellner, 3 step-greatgrandchildren, Alison (Mark) Anzaldua, Clayton Shaw, and Michelle Rossa; 4 step-great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Lois “Jean” Bittorf of Carlsville, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Elton (Bob) Simonar; second husband, Henry Opicka; and her son Ronald Simonar; her parents; brothers, Clifford (Maxine) Kroening, Orville Kroening; sisters, Gertrude (Victor) Harmann, Loretta (Jerome) Franda; sisters- & brothers-in-law, Elnora (Roland) Wagner, Wally (Florence) Simonar; Vida (Wilbert “Snooky”) Miller, Donald Bittorf, Evelyn (Harvey) Paplham, Frances (Harlan) Burmeister; in-laws, Frank and Melva Simonar, Henry Sr. and Mae Opicka; nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kewaunee on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 9-11 am. Funeral service will take place at 11 am with Pastor Matthew Sprunger officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery – Kewaunee. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services (formerly Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home) – Casco is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.KinnardFCS.com.
Special Thank You to the caring staff of the Algoma Long Term Care Unit for their wonderful care of Johanna.
