Opal Gugelman

O pal Irene (Marteney) Gugelman, age 93, of Sabetha, Kansas, formerly of Bern, Kansas died on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas surrounded by family.

Opal was born on February 22, 1927 near Baileyville, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Eva (Callam) Marteney.  She grew up west of Bern, attended Union School in Nemaha County through the 8th grade, and graduated from Bern High School in 1944.  She then attended Emporia Teacher’s College and taught at the Rock School located north of Seneca, Kansas for three years.

Opal married William “Bill” Gugelman on September 20, 1947 at Alma, Kansas.  They were married for 59 years until his death in 2006.  They made their home in Bern, Kansas for 55 years until they moved to the Apostolic Christian Apartments in Sabetha, Kansas in 2002.  Opal later moved to the Apostolic Christian Home.

After her marriage, she was employed by the Bern Locker Plant for four years.  In addition, she was bookkeeper for the Bern Oil Company for 20 years.  Also, she was a Paraprofessional for Special Education for 14 years at the Bern Schools.

Opal was a member of the United Methodist Church of Bern and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 326 of Bern since 1948.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bill, on November 8, 2006; her three brothers, Fred, Herbert, and Arthur Marteney; and her son in law, Rick McClain.

Opal is survived by one son, Danny (Mary Jo) Gugelman of Vail, Arizona; two daughters, Debra (Mike) Soyland of Sabetha, Kansas, and DeeAnn (Rob) Grimes of Topeka, Kansas; her sister, Donna (Callam) Johnston of Prescott, Arizona; her six grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Lourance, Alex McClain, William (Stephanie) Gugelman,  Andrew Gugelman, Nicholas Grimes, and Erin Grimes; her four great grandsons, Spencer Lourance, Brayden Gugelman, Grant Gugelman, and Luke Gugelman; her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her friends.

Viewing will be open to the public on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha, Kansas.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha, Kansas.  The interment will be made in the Bern Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Bern United Methodist Church or the Apostolic Christian Home sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas  66534.

Due to Covid 19, masks are required at Popkess Mortuary.