Opal L. Bachman

Opal L. Bachman, 92, of Washington passed away at 4:00pm Friday, September 23, 2016 at her residence. She was born on March 17, 1924 in Pawnee City, NE the daughter of Samuel and Bertha Moser Heiniger. She married Robert J. Bachman on November 11, 1950 in East Peoria. He passed away in 1954. Also preceding her in death was one son John R. Bachman, one daughter Rita Mae Ontiveros, two sisters Mary Kuenzi and Bernice Heiniger. Surviving is one daughter in law Patricia Bachman of Bradford, IL; one son in law Miguel Ontiveros of San Antonio, TX; three grandchildren Justin Bachman, Robin Bachman Szewczyk and Raquel Reyes. Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren Nils Bachman, Nora Bachman Raphaella Szewczyk, Alma Reyes, Isaiah Reyes and Elijah Reyes. Further surviving is one sister Esther Cawley of Rochelle, IL one brother in law Leonard "Blacky" Bachman of Washington, IL along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Opal was a teacher for more than 40 years, placing specific emphasis on the ability of her second grade students to read competently by the time they were ready for third grade. She was convinced that this capacity was the basis for further learning and would ensure their future academic success. She also wrote her grandchildren and great-grandchildren small postcards, in precise and tiny cursive, each week for more than 20 years to describe a range of weather, crop conditions, important national and world events, family news, and other business that caught her attention. It was her special way of staying in touch in lieu of the telephone. Opal was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington. Private services were held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Park and Pastor John N. Bates officiating. Burial was in Fondulac Township Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorials in her name may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. To share notes for condolences with the family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.