Opal Kauffman Wacker

Opal Kauffman Wacker passed away peacefully at The Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio on September 10, 2025, at the age of 102. She was born in Baltimore, Ohio on October 2, 1922, to the late Ralph and Helen (Kumler) Kauffman.

Those who knew Opal, knew how much she loved cardinals. She had a “red room” with a large cardinal collection where she used to watch Ohio State Sports. She was a graduate of Liberty Union High School, class of 1940. She also attended Columbus Business College and Hocking Technical College. She retired from Fairfield Medical Center after working there for many years. She was also a 70 year member of the First United Methodist Church.

Some of her other accolades include:

• -Former long-term Member of Fairfield Medical Center Twig 9, Lancaster Quota Club and Fairfield Heritage Association
• -Board Member and Secretary of the following, Fairfield Chapter of the American Red Cross, Fairfield Chapter of the American Cancer Society, TRACO (Tumor Registry of Central Ohio)
• -Ohio Reads volunteer/tutor, Lancaster City Schools
• -Long time volunteer of Lancaster Hospital
• -Docent at Sherman House

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Helen Kauffman; brother, Hank K. Kauffman Sr; and Sister, Carol Zahm.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Ron) Hochradel; grandchildren, Molly (Rose Schneider) Haynes and Amy (Jon) Holland; step-grandchildren, Scott (Teresa) Hochradel and Kim (Kevin) Yokim; great-grandchildren, Marissa (Tommy) Malone, Tyler Holland, and Madalyn Holland; several step-great-grandchildren; a special niece and nephews; and a “bonus” daughter, Jeanne Secoy.

A celebration of Opal’s life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Ohio. She will be buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Baltimore, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Opal’s name to FAIRHOPE Hospice and The Pickering House, First United Methodist Church, Fairfield Medical Center Twig 9 and Liberty Union Alumni Scholarship Fund.