Nell Dalene (Wintjen) Lopez

NELL DALENE LOPEZ

JERSEYVILLE - Nell Dalene Lopez, 98, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Jerseyville Manor, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and love.

Born on November 6, 1926, in Pleasant Hill, Illinois, Dalene was one of five children born to the late Andrew and Bertha (Cloninger) Wintjen. She was raised in Pleasant Hill and following her high school graduation, her family relocated to Wood River. It was there that she met the love of her life, Alexander Harold “Alex” Lopez. The two were married on May 28, 1948, and began their life together in Wood River before settling in Godfrey. Their union was marked by deep devotion and shared joy until Alex’s passing on February 16, 1999.

Dalene was a dedicated and hardworking employee of Olin Corporation for over 30 years. She began her career in the Powder Mill as an ammunition inspector and retired as a maintenance clerk in the Brass Mill. Her strong work ethic and lively spirit were hallmarks of her professional and personal life.

Dalene and Alex shared a passion for travel, exploring the country and the world with family and friends. After retirement, they spent many cherished winters in McAllen, Texas, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. In the years following Alex’s passing, Dalene found new joys—especially in her love for BINGO. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and writing skits and plays to entertain fellow campers, always bringing her humor and creativity to every gathering.

She was known for staying busy, for being “on the go,” and for her signature jokes that could light up a room. Her warmth, wit, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Glenda Lopez of Jerseyville; a stepdaughter and her husband, Merez and Buddy Romero of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; four grandchildren, Shannon Potts of Naples, Florida, Steven Lopez of Granite City, Cindy (Chris) Cozad of Staunton, and Cynthia (Tom) Krupiak of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and ten great-grandchildren: Parker, Ella, and Coleman Potts; Maple Lopez; Jordan, Noah, and Ezra Cozad; and Kelvin, Kristin, and Korbin Krupiak.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dalene was preceded in death by two sisters, Laverne Iler and Erma Cooperider; and two brothers, Donald and Russell Gene Wintjen.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. 

Graveside services will take place at 2 p.m., Friday, August 1 at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

Memorials may be given to Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.crawfordfunerals.com.

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