6/27/2012
Opal Irene (Caulkins) DeHeer was born January 4, 1919 on her family farm, in Marion County Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Netha (Holton) Caulkins.
She was raised on the family farm, and following graduation she attended Simpson College where she earned her Teaching Certificate. Opal taught in country schools for several years until her son, Rich was born. She stayed at home with Rich until returning to teaching in 1963.
Opal obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Drake University and taught in Colfax for 5 years and then in Monroe until her retirement in 1984. She then obtained a real estate license and was in that business from 1984 to 2004.
Opal was a member of the Iowa and National Teacher’s Association, the Iowa and National Realtor’s Association and the Marion County Board of Realtors. In her younger years, she enjoyed fishing and being a farm wife. She also liked to travel and had especially enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas, San Francisco and Arizona.
Opal passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at the age of 93 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman in 1978 and her siblings: Junior Caulkins, Dale Caulkins, Lester Caulkins, Dana De Heer, Wilma Van Ryswyk, Mildred Flanders and Alberta Viers.
Those left to honor her memory include her son, Rich (Patty) De Heer of Knoxville; Herman’s children: Beulah (Andy) VanBerkum of Pella, Gene (Emily) De Heer of Pella, Don (Inez) De Heer of Leighton; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.
Funeral Service Bybee & Davis Funeral Home – Knoxville, Iowa Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Elder Bill McDonald, officiating
Musical Selections:
Jim Kidder, organis
Katie Davis, vocalist
“In the Garden”
“How Great Thou Art”
Casket Bearers:
Rich De Heer Cecil Harry
Bill De Heer Blain De Heer
Brice De Heer Jack Viers
Interment:
Ruckman Cemetery – Marion County, Iowa In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa.