Obit: Opelt, Bethany Lynn (1989 - 2004)
Transcriber: Kipp Kippenhan

----Source: Wednesday, June 2, 2004 edition of the Clark County Press

Bethany 'Bethy' 'B.O.' Opelt

Bethany Lynn Opelt, age 15, of Neillsville, died Saturday, May 29, as the result of an ATV / automobile accident.

Bethany was born on May 29, 1989 in Neillsville, the daughter of Wayne and Connie (Schoen) Opelt. She loved life and lived every minute to its fullest, from playing football on an undefeated Pop-Warner Football team to building her forts. Bethy was a creative, vibrant young woman who loved her animals and being outdoors, fishing or climbing trees. Just this past November she got her first deer during hunting season. Recently, Beth was hired as a sandwich artist at the local Neillsville Subway restaurant, and was excited to receive her first paycheck this past week. Beth was finishing her freshman year at the Neillsville High School, where her favorite class was woods.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

She is survived by her parents, Wayne and Connie Opelt, of Neillsville; one sister, Krista Opelt, of Neillsville and one brother, Jeffery Opelt, of Neillsville. Beth is also survived by her grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Opelt, of Neillsville and Edward and Grace Schoen, of Neillsville, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, June 1, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant was the Very Reverend Woodrow H. Pace. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Casket Bearers were her uncles: Edward Schoen, Jr., Kevin Schoen, Lawrence Schoen, Gerald Opelt, Larry Opelt and Tom Opelt.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Bethany's family with funeral arrangements.