Gerald Opitz

ROSLYN- Gerald "Barney" Opitz, 87 of Roslyn died on Saturday, October 09, 2010 at Strand-Kjorsvig Community Rest Home in Roslyn. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday October 12, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eden with burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. A wake Service will be at 7 P.M. on Monday at the church. Gerald "Barney" Math Opitz was born on June 14, 1923 to Rudolph and Gertrude (Michlitsch) Opitz on the family farm near Eden, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eden. He attended grade school at Nutley Township # 163, where he later served as secretary and treasurer for many years until the school closed. In 1942, he graduated from Roslyn High School in Roslyn, South Dakota. After his education, Barney engaged in farming. On June 27, 1946, he married Olivia Opitz at Sacred Heart Church in Eden. The couple made their home at "Old Frank" two miles south of Eden. To this union two children were born, LeRoy and Linda. They continued to farm and also ran a salvage business. Barney enjoyed farming, raising cattle, welding and especially spending time with his family and visiting with friends and neighbors. Gerald passed away at Roslyn South Dakota at the age of 87 years, 3 months, and 25 days. Survivors include his wife Olivia, of 64 years, one son LeRoy (Judy) Opitz, one daughter Linda (Eric) Hall, two grandsons Danny OPitz and Wyat Hall all of Roslyn, SD, one brother in-law Elwood Opitz of Luverne, MN, one sister-in-law Alvina Opitz of Eden, SD, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Edbert Opitz, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.