Opal Louise Bleil

Opal Louise Bleil was born March 7, 1920 in Dover Township (Lenawee County), Michigan to parents, Ruby Eurene Grattan Brazee and Pearl Cornelius Brazee. There were five Brazee children: older brother Hurlan, and younger siblings, sister Norma Jean and brother Charles Phillip. Opal was the only additional gem.

Opal was daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a life-long faithful follower to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Raised on a dairy farm, Opal's childhood was happy. She was ambitious and a bit of a tomboy riding a bicycle, playing baseball and even jumping off the windmill (she broke her arm). She did not like digging potatoes or working in the farm fields. So she set her sights and standards higher.

On June 13, 1942, Opal received her Bachelor of Science from Michigan State Normal College, Ypsilanti, MI, known today at Eastern Michigan University. A talented art major receiving a teaching certificate, career-oriented Opal worked as a stewardess with American Airlines (1945-46) and taught in many Michigan Public Schools from 1942-1958, including one year in Toledo, OH. She taught art to many grades, and served as classroom teacher for grades 1-7. Opal was a talented artist, musician, cook, and she baked delicious breads, rolls, cookies, cakes and pies.

Eugene was steadfast in his pursuit, asking Opal repeatedly to marry him. Finally she said "yes." Demings Lake Memorial Church near Clayton, MI was the scene for their wedding on Saturday afternoon, June 14, 1947. In a garden-like setting of beautiful flowers, Opal made her lifetime commitment to be the bride to Eugene E. Bleil. For their 71 years together, Opal was loving, generous, devoted and faithful to her husband Eugene, her family and church.

Opal and Eugene first attended church in Jackson, MI and followed Rev. Howard Sugden to Lansing, MI. From Sunday school, morning and evening services, and Wednesday prayer services to choir practice and Bible studies hosted in her home, Opal was faithful.

Opal cared for her home and her family. The dinner table was set properly for every meal and proper attire was requested. No elbows on the table. Knives and forks, please; no eating with hands. Demeanor and deportment mattered to her.

Born Republican and a registered Republican voter, Opal followed Fox News, and knew President Trump would be a "good one." Even through her final months, although she slept through much (Fox News was on 24/7), Opal liked politics, followed current events and would read the crawl along the bottom of the screen out loud...often with commentary as she had strong opinion. Not only was she up-to-date, but so was anyone else nearby!

Opal Louise Bleil was loved by many and she will be missed greatly, but we find comfort knowing she is in heaven rejoicing without pain or sorrow.

Visitation at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing 48917, Monday, July 16 from 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to South Church.

Condolences and remembrances may be left on-line at www.greastlansing.com