Lora Haelee Reeser

Lora Haelee Reeser, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, born June 12, 2000, in Arlington Heights, IL passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2026. A beloved fiancée, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend.

Lora's primary schooling was at Sarah Adams Elementary and South Middle School in Lake Zurich, Illinois. A 2018 graduate of Crystal Lake High School, Lora was deeply involved in her school and community. During high school she was active in choir, participated in school plays, and competed on both the soccer and tennis teams. She brought dedication, enthusiasm, and her natural competitive spirit to everything she pursued.

Following high school, Lora attended Cottey College, an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts and sciences women's college in Nevada, Missouri, where she majored in International Relations and Pre-Law. She had a passion for the law and a deep interest in social justice, driven by her desire to stand up for others and understand the systems that shape our world.

Lora remained closely connected to her Crystal Lake community. During high school, she worked at Bethany Lutheran Church, The Clothes Gallery and other local businesses in downtown Crystal Lake, where over the years, she built friendships and shared her warmth with customers and coworkers alike.

Lora lived with intensity, intelligence, and heart. She loved deeply and loyally, always putting others before herself. Her care extended not only to people but also to animals and anyone in need. She was altruistic and kind, showing genuine, selfless concern for the well-being of others.

She possessed an infectious sense of humor and a quick wit that could brighten even the heaviest room. If you needed a laugh, you knew exactly where to turn. Her presence was magnetic, her insight thoughtful, and her conversations meaningful.

Music was one of the great languages of her soul. She loved singing and playing the piano, expressing emotion through every note. Curious and reflective, she pursued knowledge in her own unique way, especially enjoying genealogy and the stories that connect generations. She sought depth, understanding, and meaningful learning experiences throughout her life.

Athletic and naturally competitive, Lora could take on any sport placed before her and rise to the challenge. She also found joy in cooking and crafting, often expressing her love through what she created with her hands.

Lora was looking forward to her future, to getting married and building her own family. Though her time was far too short, the love, laughter, loyalty, and light she brought into the world will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her fiancé, Kaleb Opsal her parents, Matthew and Sarah (Wilmer) Reeser; her sisters, Emma and Madison Reeser; her grandparents Loren and Brenda McFall, Charles and Patricia (Maas) Reeser, and Marilyn (Springer) Reeser; aunts and uncles Jeff and Cortney (Wilmer) Rehnberg, Kim Anderson, Chris and Shawn Anderson, Tonia (Reeser) and Angie Solis, and Michael and Kristen (Holubeck) Reeser; and cousins Eva Rehnberg, Braeden and Emilee Anderson, and Jonathan, Jeremiah (Kristina), and Jared Reeser. And all her extended family in Colorado, Nebraska, and all over the U.S. and the world.

Lora also leaves behind a close-knit chosen family/community of friends, including Mark and Deborah Radell, Brianna Scott, Kameron and Mariya Scott, who were also family to her. She had a community of friends and co-workers at the BrightLife Clinic in Schaumburg.

Lora gained an entire family with Kaleb. Her spirit, contagious laughter, loyalty, fun-loving personality, and love for our family will never be forgotten. She has left a mark on each of us that no one will ever erase.

Lora is survived by her fiancé, Kaleb Opsal, Parent Brian and Kelsey (Geddis) Opsal, brothers Caiden and Timmy Opsal, and sister Addyson Opsal. Grandparents Robert and JoAnn (O'Brien) Opsal, Aunts and Uncles: Scott Stirsman and Tina (Opsal) Stirsman, Jim Opsal and Kellie Carr, Cousins: Delaney Stern, Ashton Stern, Parker Stirsman, Kameryn Stirsman, Kylie Longston.

Lora is preceded in death by her grandfather, William Wilmer; great-grandparents Raymond and Charlotte Reeser, Merton and Ada Springer, Edward and Eileen McColl, Alvin and Lorna McFall, and Hubert and Phyllis Maas.

A Celebration of Lora's life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be held on Monday, February 23, in Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.