Linda Josephine Opicka

Linda Josephine Opicka (Dhuey), 67, known to hundreds of kindergarteners as “Mrs. O” and to one special grandchild (Vita) as 'Modee' found her rest with The Lord on the 2nd of July 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Linda had a gift and passion for teaching children, which she proudly did for 40 years. She was fond of telling stories about 'her kids' over the years and still corresponded with many of them. Linda had a special way of touching people's lives. Linda was an avid gardener and artist, loved movies and opera, and was a talented shopper!

Linda devoted her life to living the Catholic faith that she so adored by showing compassion, generosity and love to all the people blessed to have known her.

We should all take to heart the important lessons Linda taught us through the way she lived: never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them through word or gesture, always send thank you notes, pray often, stick to what you believe in no matter what, save room for ice cream, laugh at yourself, honor your parents, travel and experience the world, go to church and thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed, and put family before all else.

The true loves of Linda's life were her family. She was adored, cherished, and loved by her husband of 44 years, Ronald C. Opicka. Together Linda and Ron raised one son, Andrew H. Opicka of Green Bay. Her world revolved around the two men in her life...until Andrew got married and had a daughter! Linda loved her daughter-in-law, Elise (Reimer) Opicka as if she were her own child. Linda's dream of having a grandchild came true in May of 2012. Her greatest sadness in death was saying goodbye to 'her Vita.'

Linda is survived by her husband, Ronald Opicka; her son, Andrew (Elise) Opicka; mother, Emily Dhuey; 2 sisters, Katie (Charles) Schmitt and Ann (Tom) Ouradnik; and granddaughter Vita A. Opicka. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. It will not be the same without her cards, calls and smile.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harris J. Dhuey.

Visitation at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Avenue, Saturday from 8am until the time of the funeral. (Due to construction on Monroe Avenue, please enter the church parking lot from Walnut Street). Funeral Mass, 11am Saturday at the Cathedral with the Rev. Brian Belongia officiating. Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Bellin Cancer Center, especially Dr. Mansky. They became family! Thank you to all the kind people who helped care for Linda on her journey to our Lord.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established.