Opal Althaus Goebel

August 14, 1928 - July 30, 2024

A Celebration of Life

"It is always very hard to say goodbye to the ones we care for.  We have shared our pleasures, our triumphs, and our disappointments for so long that we shall miss the companionship more than we realize."  Salutatorian Commencement Speech Opal Goebel May 10, 1945

On July 30, 2024 Opal Althaus Goebel passed away after 95 years of a wonderful life.  Opal was born to Irvin and Maude Althaus on August 14, 1928.  Her siblings were Ruby, Charlie and Clayton "Poncho" Althaus.  She was married to Erwin Goebel for over 50 years.

Known to her family as "Meme", her greatest joys were her family, traveling, gambling, and reading.  She had a sweet soul and will be dearly missed by all of her loved ones.

Opal is survived by her daughter Carol Summy; daughter Joan Marasek; grandchildren Shauna Eller (Heather), Tara Calzoncit (Rick), Brandon Eller (Becky), Kendra Turner, and Josh Marasek (Angela); great-grandchildren Alexandria, Katlinn, Ashlinn, Audrey, Colt, Cody, Addison, Ava, Isla, and Zuri.

She was preceded in death by her husband Erwin Goebel and her siblings Ruby, Charlie and Clayton.

A memorial service celebrating Opal's life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home at 10 am with family visitation at 9:15 - 10:00 am.  Graveside service will be held at the Johnson City Masonic Cemetery afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.

Things you MIGHT not know about Opal Goebel

She was born on the Althaus ranch.

She was Salutatorian of the Class of 1945.

She handled all of PEC's money and delivered it to the bank.

She never took her shoes off until it was time for bed.

Her foot would start tapping at 4:45 pm, ready for that beer at 5:00.

Her memories of birthdays and places she traveled were unparalleled.

She loved Port Aransas, Coushatta, the lake and the Ranch.

She made sure that chocolate, pickles & Dr. Pepper were always available.

She was quiet, until she had something to say and then everyone listened.

She loved professional sports, especially the Spurs, but she hated Karl Malone.

She loved to hunt and fish.