Opal Irene Gage, age 93, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at her home. Opal was born September 7, 1929, in Underwood, Minnesota, the daughter of Chester and Elsie (Yocum) Kadel. She lived in Underwood, Minnesota, until the age of 21, living in Montana and Illinois before settling in Iowa. She lived many different places throughout Iowa before making Emerson her home for over 60 years. Opal was united in marriage to John Thomas Gage, Jr. on December 24, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska. Opal was a longtime member of the Emerson United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Church Circle. She was also a member of the Classic Cats Club at Union Carbide Battery Company where she worked for over 30 years retiring in 1983. Her hobbies included quilting, visiting with friends and family, traveling, and dancing.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: John Gage on December 13, 2002; sons: Alan Gage and Mitch Gage; grandson: Monty Evans; sister: Faye Kadel; and brothers: Floyd, Ervin, Elmer, Don, Earl, and Raymond Kadel. Survivors include her children: Jerry Gage and wife Eleanor of Osceola, IA; Dixie Strange and husband Doug of Red Oak, IA; Dale Gage and wife Bonnie of Emerson, IA; Ron Evans and wife Bev of Orem, UT; Joy Evans of Nevada; Denzil Gage and wife Debbie of Glenwood, IA; and Marlin Gage and wife Peggy of Emerson, IA; daughter-in-law: Karen Gage of Onawa, IA; 22 grandchildren; many, many great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10 AM Friday, November 4, 2022, at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Burial will be in the Emerson, Iowa Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 PM Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Emerson Fire and Rescue Association, Emerson United Methodist Church or the Animal Alliance Rescue and Shelter of Red Oak, Iowa.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.