Opal Marie Nevins was born October 20, 1916, in Appleton Township, Swift County to James O. and Dora E. (Corderman) Hardwick. She was baptized and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church. Opal graduated from Appleton High School in 1934.On June 21, 1936, she was married to Clarence R. Kirgues at the Hardwick farm just west of Appleton where the bean plant now resides. She was a farm wife and helped Clarence with the farming on the farm in Edison Township, east of Appleton, until Clarence's death in 1977. She rented the farmland and the building site after she married Lester Nevins on August 9, 1987, when she moved to Dawson.She was very active in the First United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women's Fellowship. She was especially proud of receiving the gold pin for outstanding years of service in the U.M.W. She and Clarence helped organize the Lucky Shamrock 4-H Club in 1949. Opal belonged to the Jolly Homemakers of Edison Township for many years.Opal lived through the Depression and was as frugal as they came, but always had to feed everyone-even if they didn't have time or want to eat. She managed quite well even after her eye sight failed. She still tried driving after she saw double or couldn't see color or details any longer. She loved to cook, sew, visit, write letters, play cards, and read until her eye sight failed. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; especially the two who came to visit often.Opal died on Monday, February 20th, at Appleton Area Health Services. She had attained 95 years and 4 months of age.She is survived by four daughters: Ruth Peterson of Tucson, AZ, Judy (Ken) Glimsdal of Appleton, Karen Kirgues of Mt. Lake Terrace, WA, and Betty Kirgues of Svea; twelve grandchildren: Steven Peterson, Amy (Bill) Priebe, Tammy (George) Schirm, Trudy (Scott) Olson, Tracy Joplin, Todd (Mary) Glimsdal, Troy Glimsdal, David Stansfield, Kathryn Stansfield, Lynette (Brian) Rogers, Stephanie (Tracy) Swenson, and Jessica (Nate) Viton; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and step relatives.She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Clarence Kirgues and Lester Nevins; brother, Earl Hardwick; and four sisters: Edith Carlson, Evelyn Baldwin, Irene Baldwin, and Leona Rheingans.
