Opal Hilda Lillian Trinklein

Opal Hilda Lillian Trinklein, age 90, passed from this world to her heavenly home on Wednesday, December 31, 2015, at Adams Street Place in Jefferson City, Mo. Born December 19, 1925, Opal was the daughter of the late Edward and Orene (Propst) Englebrecht. On June 11, 1944, she was united in holy matrimony to Carl Trinklein, who departed from this life in March of 2007. Additionally, two sisters, Francis Krueger and Pauline Ittner, as well as one brother, Edward Englebrecht, preceded her in death. Opal was a graduate of Immanuel Lutheran School, Honey Creek and Eugene High School. A homemaker and loving mother, Opal was the guiding force behind Trinklein Brothers Greenhouses and was well-known locally as the "Tomato Queen." She served as its marketing manager and bookkeeper for many years. During that period Opal became friends with many of her customers who frequented the family business as much for the sake of visiting with Opal, as for purchasing plants or produce. Additionally, she served for a brief time as cook at Immanuel Lutheran School and provided transportation for special needs children in the Honey Creek area. A lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Honey Creek, Opal was an active in the ladies guild and church choir. Widely known for her cooking talents, she was instrumental in helping to organize Immanuel's annual turkey dinners. Her turkey dressing was renowned throughout the area. Opal is survived by six children: Richard Trinklein (wife Angelita) of Jefferson City, David Trinklein of Columbia, Mo., John Trinklein (wife Patti), Robert Trinklein (wife Diane) and Tim Trinklein of Jefferson City, and Lori Hoelscher (husband Delbert) of Wardsville, Mo. Additional survivors include grandchildren: Brandon and Seth Trinklein, Karissa Trinklein-Duncan, Lindsey, Aaron and Allison Trinklein. No doubt the greatest joy of Opal's life in her later years was her great-grandchildren. They include Madison Opal (Grandma Ope's namesake), Makinze, Makayla, Avery, Brody and Tanner Trinklein, Maci Steen, Blayne Bailey, Logan Hoffman and (soon-to-be) Peyton Duncan. Friends will be received from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 3 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Honey Creek. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Jeff Schanbacher officiating. Interment will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Church cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran School new kitchen fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com