STEELEVILLE – Opal M. Kraus, 88, of Steeleville, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 8:20 am at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta.

Opal was born in Plum Hill Township on January 15, 1928, the daughter of Henry and Laura Nagel.  She was baptized on February 5, 1928 at St. John United Church of Christ.  On March 24, 1946, she was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in New Minden, Illinois by Rev. P.F. Harre.  She married Reinhard "Bud" Kraus on June 2, 1946 at St. John Lutheran Church in New Minden, IL.  He preceded her in death on June 4, 2008.

Opal worked in quality control at Spartan Light Metals for 33 years until her retirement.  She was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and an active member of the Senior Citizens in Steeleville.

Opal leaves to mourn her passing her children, Alice (Bill) Knop of Steeleville, Jeannette (James) Smith of Steeleville, Richard (Linda) Kraus of Fort Wayne, IN, Marsha (Gary) Fulton of O'Fallon, IL, and Cheryl (Michael) Kennedy of Cutler, IL; 19 grandchildren; and a multitude of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Vernon Nagel; and her sister-in-law, Regina Kraus.

Opal was also preceded in death by her brother, Evans Nagel; her son, Darrel Kraus; her grandson, Jason Smith; her great-grandson, Blake Kraus; and her nephew, Bill Nagel.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, with Rev. Kelly C. Bedard officiating.  Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville.  Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, where friends may call from 5 pm until 8 pm Monday and on Tuesday from 7:30 am until 9 am then from 10 am until 11 am at the church.  Memorials may be given to Bethesda Lutheran Children's Home.