Former Hastings resident, Opal E. Kieffe, 96, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Gold Crest Retirement Center in Adams, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Monday, March 1, 2010; 10:00 A.M., and Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 1, 2010; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Hastings with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, February 28, 2010; 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and 1 hour prior to rosary at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or the Hastings Catholic Schools.

Opal was born December 26, 1913 in Adams County, Nebraska to Nicholas J. & Katherine (Plein) Diederich. She graduated from Roseland High School. On February 14, 1939, she married Francis W. Kieffe and they lived in Colorado for the next eight years. In 1947, they returned to work the family farm near Juniata until retiring in 1987. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael’s Altar Society, Legion of Mary, Hospital Auxiliary, and was a life member of the Pink Sisters Auxiliary.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis W. Kieffe; sisters, Alice, Marcelline, and Gertrude; and brothers, Edward, Arthur, Morris, and Robert.

Survivors include:
Children: Patrick W. Kieffe - Broomfield, CO
    Cathryn A. Kieffe – Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Richard & Brenda Owens – New Orleans, LA
    Angelia & Dennis Sawyers – Nebraska City, NE
    Scott Kieffe – Lincoln, NE
Great-Grandchildren: 5
Sisters & Brother-in-law: Lillian Owens – Villa Park, CA
    Madeline Dobesh – Davenport, IA
    Marian King – Gering, NE
    Vivian & Frank Manriquez - Banning, CA
Brother & Sister-in-law: Joseph & Ingrid Diederich – Long Beach, CA