Rufina Opitz, 98, of Eden, SD died Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Strand-Kjorsvig Home, Roslyn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eden.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 Friday, September 24, 2010 at the church with a wake service at 5:00 at the church.

Casketbearers will be Ross Aldenthaler, Kurtis Aldenthaler, Justin Aldenthaler, Jesse Block, Tod Block, & Paul Nelson.

Rufina Rose was born on December 25, 1911 to Michael & Mary (Schlekewy) Aldentaler on the family farm in Fort Township, Eden, SD.

She was bapitized at Sacred Heart Church in Eden. During her childhood years Rufina helped cook on the family farm while her parents did the field work.

In 1936 Rufina married Henry Opitz. The lived in Eden. Rufina and Henry ran the Cream Station in Eden until they began picking up the milk at the farms. In 1955 Henry passed away/ Rufina then took over his job as a rural mail carrier in the Eden area which she proudly ran for over 30 years.

Rufina worked for many steakhouses on Pickerel Lake, the Blue Denim in Eden, Country Side in Roslyn, and the Buffalo Lake Restaurant.

Rufina was a very good cook, she always had a hot meal for her Neices & Nephews during the Holiday's there favorite was cream corn & stew gravy.

Rufina moved to Britton where she took care of her mother Mary & brother Herman till they passed away. Rufina spent 7 winters in Flordia with her son & daughter-in-law. This Spring Rufina moved to the Strand-Kjorsvig Home, Roslyn where she lived until her passing.

Rufina was 98 years 8 months, 23 days old.

Grateful for having shared in her life was her son; Henry "Mickey" (Frieda) Opitz, Spring Hill, FL and one granddaughter.

Preceding her in death is her parents, husband, 3 brothers, & 1 sister.

Coester Funeral Home, Webster, SD