URBANA, IL- Joan Katherine Opolka, 95, of Urbana, passed away at 1:37 AM, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Brookdale Urbana.

Private graveside services will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL. Renner-Wikoff Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joan was born June 19, 1931 in Urbana, a daughter of Frank and Rose(Ersig) Willard. She married Jack R. Opolka on June 3, 1951 and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2021. Survivors include a daughter, Jill Opolka of Westfield, IN and a son, Jeffrey Opolka of Champaign. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Lauren M. Hohman and Eric Henning, and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Hailey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a grandchild.

Joan was a seed analyst for Illinois Crop Improvement for many years and a member of First United Methodist Church, Urbana.