Racine – Opal Jane Butterfield, 84, was surrounded by the love of her family when passed away at her home on Thursday, November 13, 2008. She was born in Racine on October 1, 1924, daughter of the late Herman and Soffie (nee: Christofferson) Johnson. She was a lifetime resident. Opal retired from Western Publishing in 1992 following 45 years of service. She was a hard-working mom who did all she could for her family. Her door was always open to anyone who needed her. She was a very loving mom and grandma, and was also very close to all of her family. Opal’s smile would light up a room. She is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Robert Jarstad; her loving grandchildren, Sandy (Mike) Canaday, Terri (Jim) Thurman, Brian Jarstad, Kevin (Jaime) Jarstad, and Michael (Nicole) Jarstad; her great-grandchildren, Robert Jarstad, Jenny and Jacob Canaday, Shawn (Michelle) Lynn, Nicholas Jarstad, Amber and Cody Jarstad, Mikayla, Tyler, and Addison Jarstad; and her great-great-grandson, Jordan Lynn. She is further survived by her dear brothers and sisters, Howard Johnson, Cornel (Virginia) Johnson, Virginia Webster, Marcella Nelson, Deloris (Jim) Ahmad, and Buelah June Ellis; sister-in-law, Marie Johnsen; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her longtime friend and companion, Richard Bethge; her brothers and sisters, Harold Johnsen and LeRoy Johnsen; Mabel (Loyal) Phetteplace, Myrtle (Richard) Cogswell, Genevria (Louis) Planert; sister-in-law, Beverly Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Merrill Ellis, Alvin Webster and Arvid Nelson. Funeral Services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 with Rev. James Barsch officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home Monday evening for 5-7 p.m., and Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. Our family would like to thank Dr. Mark DeCheck and his nurse, Diana; and the staff of Hospice Alliance for your care, compassion, and for the way you have helped us through this difficult time.
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