Opal Hirsch

Opal Joan Melka Hirsch, 77, of Waterloo, was born on October 13, 1933 at home in Independence. She was the daughter of Hugo and Anna Maye Weston Melka. Opal attended school in Independence and graduated in 1951. On November 10, 1956, Opal married Fred Hirsch in Columbus, MS and he died on June 29, 1994. She was a telephone operator in Waterloo until her retirement. Opal loved to sew and spend time with family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, planning family vacations and family genealogy. Opal was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waterloo and was a member of the Ladies Aide and Sewing Circle at her church. Opal died on Saturday, June 4, 2011 while a patient at Allen Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son, Mark Hirsch; an infant grandson, John Hirsch; a granddaughter Kristin Cardner; brothers, Harry Melka and Donald Melka and sisters Glenda Nabholz and Dorothy Schmidt. Opal is survived by her son, Rodney Hirsch of Waterloo; grandson Chris Hirsch of Columbia, IL; sister, Velma Nabholz of Mayo, FL and sister-in-law, Tootie Melka of Independence. As a show of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Grace Lutheran Sewing Circle, 1024 West 8th St., Waterloo, IA 50702.