Josie Ann Shantz Opitz, 95, of Redfield, SD died Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Eastern Star Home in Redfield. Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 10, 2007 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield with Reverend Tim Fugman officiating.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Redfield.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, September 9, 2007, with the family present to receive condolences from 6-8 p.m. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

Josie was born December 3, 1911 at home in Faulk County to Knute and Jorind (Nesthus) Vensand. She attended a country grade school and graduated from Cresbard High School in 1930. Josie married Oren Shantz on September 10, 1932 in Aberdeen, SD. They farmed near Athol until retiring in 1973. They moved to Redfield but spent their winters in Apache Junction, AZ with their many friends and relatives. Oren passed away on May 27, 1988.

Josie was a very busy person with painting pictures, quilting, crocheting. She especially enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She dearly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends who will dearly miss her. She enjoyed being with her friends at the Senior Center. Josie married Edbert Opitz in Redfield on May 22, 1993 and they continued going to Arizona in the winters, and spending their summers in Redfield. Edbert passed away on June 5, 2007.

Josie is survived by her two daughters: Joan Kegler, and Nancy (Larry) Johnson, both of Redfield; seven grandchildren: David (Heidi) Kegler, Barbara Lamb, Terry (Janet) Kegler, Steve (Alissa) Kegler, Susan (Robert) Baird, Debra (David) Schaffer and Bruce Johnson. Josie is also survived by twenty great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and Edbert's family: Greg (Marilyn) Opitz, Bev (David) McMahan and Barb (Wayne) Shepherd and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Oren, her second husband Edbert, one brother Harold Vensand; five sisters: Helma Bisbee, Carrie Hogg, Sina Gordon, Irene Hansen and Gladys Chapman; one son-in-law Willmar Kegler and one grandson William Oren.