Walter J Opiekun

Walter J. Opiekun, 86, of Blandon, died Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in ManorCare Health Services, Laureldale. He was the widower of Lorraine C. Opiekun who died October 21, 2011 .

Born in Jessup, Lackawanna County, he was a son of the late Joseph and Cecilia Opiekun. Mr. Opiekun was a member of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown. He was a New Jersey Army National Guard veteran. He was employed as a chief lineman and trouble shooter by Public Service Electric and Gas, Clifton, NJ, for over 40 years, retiring in 1992; and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After he retired, Mr. Opiekun served as a crossing guard at Pequannock Township Schools in New Jersey. "Jolly Wally," as many people knew him, enjoyed walking, gardening and was an avid carpenter, having built his, and his late wife's, first home. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, dogs and grand dogs .

He is survived by Daughters, Kathleen J. (Opiekun) Malloy, Blandon and Janet Opiekun Gygax, wife of Andrew A. Gygax, Rockway Township, NJ; 3 Grandchildren, Amy E. (Malloy), wife of Luke Turko, Kelly E. Malloy, Joseph O. Gygax; 2 Great Grandchildren, Logan L. and Maura E. Turko. He was predeceased by 2 Sisters, Josephine (Opiekun) Brayer and Genevieve (Opiekun) Herring .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with Rev. Monsignor Walter T. Scheaffer, celebrant. Interment, with military honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. Relatives and friends may call Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, and Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the church .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530, the Alzheimer's Association, 237 Court Street, Reading, PA  19601, or The Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604 . Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.