Mr. Joseph P. (Sodie) Opela, 73, of Shiner, died Jan. 30, 2008. He was born Oct. 29, 1934 to Sophie & Alois Opela Jr. at Smother's Creek, and grew up in the Wied Community. He married Cecilia Barcak in July 1969. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church near Hallettsville.

Joseph spent 2 years active duty in the US Army in Germany. He retired as a welder from Kaspar Wire Works after 34 years of service. Traveling to the hill country brought him great joy. Hunting, fishing, ranching, and handling his chickens were his favorite recreations. Gathering around a domino table with friends and a "cool one" was seldom passed up. While relaxing at home, he took pleasure in watching the Houston Astros and his favorite western "Gunsmoke". Sodie loved to give the grandchildren a ride on the "mule".

Joseph is survived by his wife Cecilia; son Patrick Opela & wife Catherine of Richmond; 2 daughters, Patricia Berger & husband Randy of Gonzales, and Rita Migl & husband Michael of Hallettsville; step daughter Mary Schneider & husband Louis of Hallettsville; 2 step sons, Claude Stoner & wife Catherine and Robert Huehlefeld; brother Raymond J. Opela of Hallettsville; sister Hedwig Dehart of Hallettsville; 6 grandchildren; 11 step grandchildren; and 5 step great-grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by parents Sophie Janak Opela (Dec. 23, 1995) and Alois Opela Jr. (Dec. 30, 1976).

Service: 11 am, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation: 1 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Rosaries: 7pm, Friday at Kubena Funeral Home; and 10:30am, Saturday at St. Mary's Church. Pallbearers: James Barcak, Casper Janak, Jeffery Opela, Mike Opela, Ronald Opela, Nik Schneider, Harvey Steffek, and Clyde Weyman. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.