Opal Ableidinger, age 96, of Kensal, ND, died Monday, October 28, 2013, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, ND.

Born September 1, 1917, in McKinnon Township, Opal was the first child of Joe and Merle (Evans) Lipetzky. She graduated from Kensal High School in 1934. After receiving a teacher’s certificate from Valley City Teachers College, Opal taught school at Newport, WA, and at McHenry, Bordulac, and Kensal, ND, until her retirement in 1973.

Opal married 1st Lieutenant Dwain “Ole” Ableidinger June 7, 1945, in Kensal. They spent their life on the farm where she was born. In 1952, they welcomed their son Kent. 

As a local historian, she compiled family scrapbooks, featuring stories and newspaper clippings. Throughout the years, Opal served as a resource for friends and relatives seeking information about their family tree. She loved to play cards and Scrabble, do crossword puzzles, and correspond with her numerous cousins. Opal also enjoyed scrapbooking, writing poetry, bird watching, and attending auctions.

Opal was a member of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, McKinley Homemakers, and St. John’s Catholic Church Auxiliary.

Opal is survived by her son, Kent (Lyla) Ableidinger, Kensal, ND; grandchildren, Lewis and Laura; sister-in-law, Agnes Lipetzky; and five nephews and two nieces.

Preceding her in death were her husband Dwain "Ole" who died in June of 1997, her parents, her sister Eleanor Graupner, and brother Roy Lipetzky.

We will miss Opal and remember her feistiness and intelligence! We are proud she touched so many people, especially as an extraordinary teacher and friend!

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM

INTERMENT: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Kensal, ND