George G. Opatz

George G. Opatz, age 91, of Bowlus, MN, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 25, 2010 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN, with Rev. Michael Kellogg officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 24, 2010 and 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 25, 2010 all at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Sunday at the church. George was born on February 23, 1919 in Swan River Township, Morrison County, Minnesota to Alex & Gertrude (Bieniek) Opatz, the youngest of thirteen children. George grew up on the family farm where he has lived all his life. He attended school in District #59. George was a farmer all his life. In addition to farming, he also worked for a short time in the Civilian Conservation Corps before returning to farming. He was united in marriage to Rose Klimek on November 22, 1938 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in North Prairie, MN. The couple made their home on the family farm where he farmed. He also worked for Crestliner in Little Falls and John Donovan Const. in St. Cloud. George's hobbies included catching pocket gophers and deer hunting. He also enjoyed driving around on his three-wheeler checking his crops. George was a lifetime member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 71 years, Rose; children, Raymond (Renee) Opatz of Sartell, MN, Richard "Oscar" (Marie) Opatz of Little Falls, MN, Carol (Arnie) Molus of Bowlus, MN, Duane (Polly) Opatz of Bowlus, MN, Charlotte (John) Berns of Little Falls, MN; daughter-in-law, Sandy Opatz of Little Falls, MN; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronald Opatz (June 2, 2005); grandson, Thomas Opatz (June 6, 1996); siblings, Philip Opatz, Simon Opatz, Roy Opatz, John Opatz, Thomas Opatz, Sophie Waletski, Alvina Wagner, Katie Waletski, Frances Palashewski, Mary Smolnik, Vicky Barton and Gertrude Whittemore. Casketbearers will be Robert Opatz, Greg Opatz, Tim Opatz, Gary Molus, Jayme Opatz and Chad Sand.