Marie Opatz

Marie Opatz, age 67, of rural Little Falls, MN, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013, at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 21 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN with Father John Odero officiating. The burial will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Bowlus, MN.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 20 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, MN and from 9:00-10:00 A.M. on Thursday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN.

Marie Opatz was born April 16, 1946 in Little Falls, MN to the late Ambrose and Adeline (Kusterman) Zapzalka. She attended and graduated from high school in Little Falls, MN. She was united in marriage to Richard Oscar Opatz on May 4, 1965 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Elmdale, MN.The couple made their home in Swan River Township, Morrison County, Minnesota.Marie worked various jobs during her life. They included St. Gabriels Hospital as a nurses assistant, Jerrys Supper Club as a waitress and Coborns Central Bakery as a cake decorator.She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marie enjoyed collecting angels, reading, crocheting, camping, shopping, getting her hair and nails done, cross word puzzles, trying new recipes and loved flowers and bird watching. Marie received the Helen Keller Award with the Sobieski Lions Club. She was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Elmdale, MN, Sobieski Lions Club and the Bowlus American Legion Auxiliary.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 48 years, Richard Oscar Opatz of Little Falls, MN; children, Brenda and Alan Vaverek of Little Falls, MN, Steve and Julie Opatz of North Port, FL, Tim and Lynette Opatz of Sobieski, MN and Jim and Jessica Opatz of Clear Lake, MN; siblings, Jeanette DeZurek of Little Falls, MN, Dennis and Janice Zapzalka of Little Falls, MN and Pat Zapzalka of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Ryan Vaverek, Megan Vaverek, Andy Vaverek, Caitlin Opatz, Brianna Opatz, Zach Opatz, Amber Piekarski and Chris Opatz; great-grandchildren, Emma and Noah Vaverek.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ambrose and Adeline Zapzalka; siblings, Robert and Gerald Zapzalka and grandson, Bradley Opatz.