Opal Alice Recob Collies, 87 years young, of Big Flats, and formerly of Walworth, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born Oct. 21, 1925, in Marinette, to the late Fred and Naomi (Robinson) Speiss.
She grew up in Stanley, and moved to Walworth in her teens. There she met and fell in love with Ronald Recob. On Feb. 18, 1943, Opal married Ronald Recob in Walworth.
When they retired they moved to Big Flats. He preceded her in death in 2001. A few years later, Opal met Robert Collies and they were married Jan. 8, 2005, in Big Flats. Opal and Robert enjoyed spending time at their home in Rhinelander and in Big Flats.
Opal loved her family life and was a homemaker as well as babysitter for many years. She loved children (hers and anyone else’s). In her youth, she loved snowmobiling, was an avid reader and loved her “crossword” and “word books” as she called them.
Opal attended church (UCC in Walworth, Big Flats Community, and Monroe Center Community), enjoyed cooking and baking and shared what she had with whomever she could.
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Patricia Van Acker, St. Germain, and Roleen Komes, Elkhorn; sons, Eddie (CoraLee) Recob, Williams Bay, Randall (Rose Marie) Recob, Whitewater, and Jimmie (Betty) Recob, Walworth; stepsons, Steven (Marlene) Creed, Janesville, Michael Collies, Hixton, and Dan (Sara) Collies, Kentucky; 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a brother, Edgar (Marion) Speiss, Sharon.
She was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Bernie Van Acker (Pat), and Hank Komes (Roleen); stepson, Larry Collies; and brothers, Don, Harry and Fred Speiss.
A celebration of Opal’s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Big Flats Town Hall.
The family invites all of Opal’s friends and relatives to come and share memories while enjoying precious pictures and her favorite refreshments.
Interment will be in the Walworth Cemetery in the spring or summer of 2014.
