Vivian Joyce (Bublitz) Opitz

     Vivian Joyce Opitz, age 101, of Sister Bay, passed away peacefully, surrounded by immediate family, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Serenity Springs Senior Living at Scandia Village in Sister Bay, WI

     She was born October 26, 1922, in Elkhorn, WI, the daughter of the late Otto Herman Bublitz and Clara Francis (Brellenthin) Bublitz. Vivian attended Elkhorn High School, graduating with the class of 1940. She attended Bakersfield Junior College, Bakersfield, CA, and flight school in Kansas City, MO.

     On July 10, 1943, she married Lester Louis Ludtke, who was a Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps.  Les preceded her in death on November 22, 1944, after being shot down in Italy during WWII.

     On June 4, 1949, she married Frank Donald Opitz. They resided in Wauwatosa, WI until his passing. Together, Viv and Don enjoyed 42 years of marriage, raising their family, and traveling to many places around the globe. Don preceded her in death on July 1, 1991.

     Vivian worked for Mid Continent Airlines in Kansas City, MO, prior to her marriages, Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee after her children were of school age, and Tannenbaum Holiday Shop in Door County, after moving to Sister Bay, WI in 1997.

     While still living in Wauwatosa, and after moving to Door County, Vivian had a seasonal RV site for many years at Aqualand Campground near Sister Bay. Vivian loved to entertain, hosting many joyful gatherings, and card parties.  She favored martinis, wonderful food, and even an occasional celebratory cigar!

     She was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor, WI.

     Vivian’s family is grateful to have had her in our lives for so many years. Our memories of her unconditional love and her spunky spirit will remain with us always. Heaven is her reward!!

     Her family is thankful to the staff and residents of Scandia Village for their care and compassion, to the many family and friends who throughout the years, continued to visit and send their love with cards and gifts, and to the representatives and staff at Huehns Funeral Home, and to the other agencies who assisted to help ease this transition.

     Vivian is survived and will be missed by her son, Jack (Liz) Opitz of Sister Bay, WI;  two grandsons, Joshua Opitz of Sister Bay, WI and Zachary Opitz of Beaverton, OR;  two granddaughters, Elli (Ryan) Lapolla of Ellison Bay, WI, and Jennifer Critelli Anderson of Milwaukee, WI; and five dear great-grandchildren, Shayla and Arlo Opitz, Mathew Opitz, Brielynn and Nyla Lapolla; as well as, several nieces, nephews, and extended families.

     Preceding her in death were her parents Otto and Clara Bublitz: husband Lester Ludtke, and husband Don Opitz; two sons, Steven and James Opitz; daughter, Susan Opitz; granddaughter, Taylor Opitz; and brother, Elmer (Violet) Bublitz.

     She will be laid to rest at Hazel Ridge Cemetery in Elkhorn, WI

     Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Opitz family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Vivian may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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