Jacob Opel
December 24, 2011
Jacob Francis Opel, 23, died Saturday, December 24, 2011. A Des Moines native, Jake graduated from East High School in 2006. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Grand View University in 2009. He was employed by the Saydel School District in the business office.
Jacob was preceded in death by his grandmother. He leaves behind his mother, grandfather, an aunt, and one cousin. His family, close friends, and co-workers supported Jake during his brief stay at the Taylor House Hospice.
The Victory platform on-line gaming community will miss D.C. Jacob was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and played in the hand bell choir at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the East High School Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Colleen Eidahl
01/05/2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I'm so sorry that you have to go through the pain of losing a child. There are no words that can take away the pain that you are experiencing. Jacob is in Heaven watching over you and is no longer suffering or in pain. You will be reunited someday, but until that day Jacob will be watching over you until you meet again at Heaven's gate. You continue to be in our thought and prayers. Ryan truly enjoyed working with Jacob. You did a great job raising a wonderful caring son who enjoyed telling Ryan stories about you and his grandfather. Remember these great memories that you have had with Jacob. You all will continue to be in our prayers.
Ryan and Colleen Eidahl
Alex Black
01/04/2012
Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about Jacob. Although we haven't especially kept in touch since high school at Central Academy, I have fond memories of him and am greatly saddened to hear of his death.
My most sincere condolences.
Jeff Hepburn
01/04/2012
I am so sorry to see about the loss of Jacob. I was one of his teachers at Central Academy. I always enjoyed having him in class. He had a wonderful personality and was a great student. My sympathy goes to you and your family.
Jeff Hepburn
Marge McCullough
01/04/2012
I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. I knew Jacob as a friend of my daughter at Central Academy--I particularly remember him bowling at her 16th birthday party--and as a student at Grand View, where I work and where I occasionally had a conversation with him. I truly liked Jacob and am very sorry he has left us.
Debi Speltz
01/03/2012
I know that you do not know me, but my son-in-law worked with Jacob. My heartfelt sympathy to you. Ryan enjoyed working with Jacob. My prayers are with you and your family and Jacob who is in a better place.
Christmas In Heaven
I'm wondering what Christmas in Heaven is like, As I grieve alone and pray,
Longing for one who has gone before, To spend Christmas in Heaven today.
And so in my dreams, I wonder, Far from the scenes and sounds of earth,
`Til I catch the strains of the Heavenly choir, As they sing of the Christ
Child's birth.
The Angels and the Saints I vision there, As they join the festal gay,
And there `mid the throng is my loved one, Spending Christmas in Heaven
today.
There's joy in the faith that teaches, When our life's work here is done.
Of a place in Heaven awaiting, And the crown we worked for is won.
In our grief may we well learn the lesson So to work and suffer and pray,
As to merit the joys of our loved one, And to spend Christmas together some
someday.
Steve Larson
01/02/2012
Jan: I was so sorry to hear about Jake...
My thoughts are with you and all those
who loved Jake.
Sincerely,
Steve Larson
Pastor Steve and Jean
01/01/2012
Jan, so sorry about Jacob's passing. I have fond memories of Jacob playing in the bell choir while I was serving at Wesley UMC. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Pastor Steve & Jean
Debbie Stetson
01/01/2012
Dear Jan: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your son, Jacob. John and Alice Ligouri had kept me informed of his untimely death. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your family. Sincerely, Debbie
Debbie Wayman
01/01/2012
Jan,
So sorry for your loss. I know Jacob will be missed by all. I will always remember him as Amber's crib buddy at St. Paul. He will always be with you.
Nora & Adam Davenport
01/01/2012
Dear Jan:
Adam and I were absolutely shocked and saddened to learn, just this morning, of Jacob's death. I'm not sure if you'll remember us, but for years we belonged to/attended Unity Lutheran Church......Adam and Jacob grew up together and got to know each other through the various "sister church" functions........then, following two years at DMACC, Adam transferred to Grand View University, where he also graduated in 2009.
Sadly to say, we didn't even realize that Jacob had been ill. We are just so terribly sorry for your loss; may God wrap His arms around you and give you comfort at this very difficult time; and that He will help you through the difficult days ahead.
Please know that you're in our prayers.
Jack & Carol Robinson
12/30/2011
Jan, Gordy & Mary:
We were shocked to receive word of Jacob's passing. May God grant you peace and understanding. We know how much he was loved by all of you. Our sympathy goes out to all of you for comfort in your fond memories.
Love, Cousin Jack & Carol
sally owens
12/29/2011
So sorry for your loss. I am the kitchen manager at Woodside. he will be missed. sa
Brad Buck
12/28/2011
I am very sorry for your loss. Jacob and I only worked with one another for a short time, however I appreciated the chance to get to know him. The students (and all of us as staff members) at the middle school were very enthusiastic about the Penny War in which they engaged in his honor.
Mike & Loni Milligan
12/27/2011
Jan, we were so sorry to hear about Jacob's passing. We so much enjoyed visiting with Jacob at Uncle Kenny's birthday party, and were very much impressed with what a fine young man he was. We know there is really nothing that can be said to comfort you at this time, but please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Middleswart
12/27/2011
Jan,
Words cannot express my heartfelt sympathy for you at this time. I cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the peace of the Lord strengthen you. God Bless.
Jennifer