Patricia J. Opp

Patricia J. Opp, age 77, of Wood River, died Monday, May 29, 2023, at The Monarch in Lincoln.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River. The Reverend Jorge Canela officiated. Cremation took place following the service. Burial of the cremains was in St. Mary’s Cemetery – Wood River.

Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials are suggested to the Central Nebraska Humane Society and may be sent in care of Apfel Funeral Home, 1123 W. 2nd Street, Grand Island, NE 68801.

Online condolences may be left at: www.apfelfuneralhome. com.

Patricia Joan Opp was born November 9, 1945, at Loup City, to Edward “Fritz” and Anna (Eurek) Shotkoski.

She grew up in Arcadia and received her education in that area, graduating from Loup City High School.

Patricia was united in marriage to William F. Opp on June 3, 1967, at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. The couple made their home in Wood River where Patricia worked as the administrative assistant at Wood River High School.

She later lived in Grand Island following her retirement.

Pat’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River and served as treasurer for the St. Mary’s Altar Society. She was the owner/operator of The Brass Rail in Wood River.

Pat enjoyed watching sports, especially Nebraska volleyball. She loved to sing and dance, play Bingo and watching the Game Show Network.

Pat was a very dedicated employee at the Wood River High School for 45 years. She was not only the secretary, but she drove the bus, took tickets, and chaperoned kids.

Pat was an amazing mother and caring wife. Her husband and daughter were disabled, and she cared for them in their home over the years.

Survivors include her daughter, Lana Opp; one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jacque Shotkoski; and four sisters, Janis Palu, Cathy Bydalek, Rosie Dooley, and Joyce (Randy) Rowley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Opp; daughter, Lisa Opp; sister, Virginia (Shotkoski) Pokorski; and brother, John F. Shotkoski.