Albert "Junior" R. Opsal Jr

Albert “Junior” R. Opsal, Jr, 89, of Princeton, IL passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Junior was born on born on February 10, 1936 on a farm in Tiskilwa, IL the son of Albert R. and Henry Agnes (Morris) Opsal, Sr. He married Joyce Elaine Baldwin on August 1, 1953. To this union 5 children were born, Veronica, Charlene, Jim, Melissa and Robert. Joyce preceded him in death on October 31, 1988 after a long battle with cancer. Junior met Letty Lee Waterhouse through mutual friends. After a courtship they were married on June 4, 1993 in Tiskilwa, IL. Letty’s five children, Jane, Timothy, Theresa, Andrew and Peggy became Junior’s family also.

Junior worked at Strunk Brothers as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years prior to his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Princeton Moose Lodge #1993 and Local Union #150. Junior enjoyed fishing, stock car racing and spending time with his friends. He was also an avid sports fan, especially the University of Illinois Sports. Junior was fond of listening to his scanner and communicating with others via his CB Radio. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Letty Opsal of Princeton; eight children, Veronica Snipes of Ladd, Jim Opsal of Tiskilwa, Melissa (Jim) Bair of Malden, Robert Opsal of Bloomington, Jane (Scott) Barthels of Sheboygan, WI, Timothy Waranka of Ottawa, Theresa (Steve) Clark of Valparaiso, IN and Peggy Waranka of Princeton; numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren and one sister, Shirley Lewis of Princeton.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, two children, Charlene Jaggers and Andrew Waranka and one sister, Patricia Becker.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Spring. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Burial of cremated remains will be in Walnut Cemetery in Walnut, IL.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.