Enjoying a healthy, vibrant life for 93 years, Edna Opp of Portland, Oregon passed away at home on August 16, 2015 following a one month illness.
Edna was born at home on September 7, 1921 in Eureka, South Dakota. Her parents, Eva and Gottfried Helfenstein raised Edna and seven siblings on a farm in this German Russian community. Her education was in a one room schoolhouse, where she would meet her future husband at a school Christmas party. Edna and Alvin (Ally) Opp were married on September 22, 1940. Together they farmed in this community for many years, raised their two daughters and at one time owned «Opps Place», a pool hall in Eureka.
In 1956 the family moved to Portland, Oregon where Edna and Ally went to work at the Old Country Kitchen, a family owned steakhouse. For 25 years Edna worked as a waitress and Ally managed the bar. They would return to Eureka every year for vacation to visit family and friends. After retirement they enjoyed wintering in Arizona and traveling the western US visiting family and friends. They loved to dance and would seek out a polka dance whenever possible.
Edna was an energetic and independent woman. She learned her survival skills on the farm growing up during the depression and practiced them throughout her life. There were very few things she would not try to fix and her energy was endless. She was washing down her house and painting one side per year until she was 90. She did 50 leg lifts in bed every day until she became ill. «Energetic Edna» earned her nickname. She was a great role model.
Edna was predeceased by her husband in 1995 and brothers Walter, Ruben and Ervin Helfenstein. Survivors include her daughters RoseMarie Opp (Lawrence Hudetz) and Judy Hooff (Dave); grandsons Maurice Hooff (Carol) and Rian vanden Hooff (Heidi); great grandchildren Ryder Hooff, Kiona and Soriah vanden Hooff.
Survivors also include brothers Otto Helfenstein of Ashley, ND, Harvey Helfenstein (Mary) of Tigard, OR, Curtis Helfenstein (Sharon) of Rapid City, SD and sister Verna Mettler of Gresham, OR. Other survivors are sisters-in law Edna Helfenstein of Beaver Creek, OH and Elmae Helfenstein of Rapid City, SD; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ted and Ida Opp of Eureka, SD. Edna will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church in Portland on Saturday September 12th at 2PM. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Edna’s name to Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church at 1740 SE 139th, Portland, OR 97233.