Donald Opatz

Donald Simon Opatz, 92, passed peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024 with his entire family by his side. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who always had a glimmer in his eye. Don was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Don was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on March 30, 1931. He attended Catholic school as a boy, where he kept busy playing baseball, basketball and hockey, and graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Social Science, an emphasis in History and a minor in Education. His studies were put on pause when Don proudly served in the United States Navy, traveling the Pacific on a ship that ferried aircrafts to Japan during the Korean War.

Don met Margaret Ann Clark through his twin brother Gerry and went on to marry her on June 10, 1961. Don and Marge had five children: Ruth, Tom, Dave, Dan, and Maureen. They raised their family in North Saint Paul, in a house adorned with ivy and tall hedges that Don ensured were always well-manicured. His family was his greatest joy, and he was proud of the closeness they still share.

Don took on many jobs and business ventures throughout his life. In his early days, he was a paperboy, a railroad worker, and a bridge builder. He enjoyed a 37 year career teaching history (a passion of his) and social studies in Albany and White Bear Lake school districts, where he also coached and led the White Bear Lake men’s golf team to the 1971 State Championship. All the while, he pursued entrepreneurial endeavors with his twin brother, Gerry; the two owned and managed a pizza restaurant, a Christmas tree farm, and a number of rental properties including an apartment building.

Outside of work, Don enjoyed golfing, talking politics, reading historical books, watching sports, and spending time at his beloved Camp Lake cabin. He and Marge traveled the world together, from cross-country road trips to international adventures and cruises. He is remembered for his sense of humor, kind nature, and willingness to engage in spirited debate at any moment. Don was a loving servant of God throughout his life; he and Marge were active parishioners at the Church of Saint Peter in North Saint Paul, Church of Saint John the Evangelist of Little Canada, and the televised Saint Cloud mass when he couldn’t go in person.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, who passed away exactly one year prior, on January 14th, 2023; his parents, Adeline and Simon; his twin brother, Gerry; and his siblings, Ralph, Eileen Berger, and Jim. He is survived by his children Ruth (Phil) Sinn, Tom (Amy), Dave (Lisa), Dan (Kathleen), and Maureen (Eric) Willett; grandchildren Riley (Sarah), Maria, Nick (Nicole), Sam (Ben), Abby (Jacob), Tavis (Lexa), Emma, Andrew, Jake, Ryan, Zach, Ali, and Michaela; great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Sophia, Phillip, and Aubrie; sister, Jane Lynch; sisters-in law, Peggy Opatz and Patty Mullen; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Monday, January 22nd, at Church of Saint Peter, 2600 Margaret St N, North St Paul. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Sunday, January 21st, at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, and an hour prior to the mass on Monday. There will be a private interment at Fort Snelling National Ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Donald’s name to the North St. Paul Area Food Shelf or the Parkinson’s Foundation.