Opal Juanita Hempen

October 19, 1925 - February 18, 2018

Opal Juanita Hempen, 92, of Carlyle passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. She was born in Xenia, Illinois on October 19, 1925, the daughter of James A. and Lucretia (Warren) Martin. She married Harold H. Hempen on November 29, 1941 at the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri and he preceded her in death on April 10, 2006. Mrs. Hempen is survived by two daughters Margaret Johnson and husband Hope, and Susie McQuade all of Carlyle; a son, Joe Hempen and wife Judy of Breese; her daughter-in-law, Tracie Hempen-Potter of Philadelphia, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and four great- great grandchildren. In addition to her mother, father, and husband she was preceded in death by her son Hal Hempen. Opal worked at Moran Shoe Factory for 25 years, after the closure of the factory she continued her love for sewing by making all sorts of items for people, she was a wonderful seamstress. She made many of the banners that still hang in the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle. Other hobbies included painting and wood carving. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle with Pastor Steven Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 9:00 until 11:00 AM at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle. Memorials made in memory of Opal are suggeste4d to the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle or to the Hal Hempen Foundation and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.