Gloria "Nicky" Opatz

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Gloria "Nicky" Opatz, 89, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Lake Region Healthcare.

Gloria "Nicky" Opatz was born on November 4, 1935, in Minot, North Dakota, to Martin and Olga (Holen) Nickelson. Nicky graduated from Mohall High in Mohall, North Dakota, in 1953. She graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1956 and married Mark Opatz in 1957.

Nicky was a Registered Nurse for Otter Tail County Public Health where she made lifelong friends. Her dedication to caring for others extended beyond her profession, as she was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

She fondly reminisced about being a young adult and the time she spent on the dance floor with Mark, wearing her high-heeled shoes, and playing card games with friends.

She was a proud mother of four beautiful children who lit up her life. Nicky shared with a smile that as Scott, Jon, Mary, and Matthew grew, she learned to love mowing the lawn. Her family wonders if perhaps that was to sneak away from the roughhousing at the Farm.

Nicky's joy in life was unmistakable. She loved spending time with friends and family and participating in her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's activities. Her laughter was infectious. She cared deeply for those around her. And she took great care in nurturing others. She shared her life's experiences and words of wisdom freely, often with a gentle nudge to set things straight for you if needed. Norwegian Potato Dumplings, or Klub, were a favorite, and family gatherings brought her immense happiness.

"Most of all," she wrote in her journal, "I love our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They bring me much joy. As do my dear friends."

If Nicky could share her thoughts today, she likely would remind us that we are blessed to have shared this life together, and we will be together again. Until then, weather the storms, have courage, be kind, and know love.

Preceding Nicky in death are her parents, Martin and Olga (Holen) Nickelson; her sons, Matthew and Mark "Scott" Opatz, and her grandson, Cody Opatz. Surviving family members include her husband, Marcus; children, Jon (Debbie) Opatz and Mary (Bob) Abel; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Opatz; grandchildren, Stephanie (Nathan) Hoff, Jason (Kara) Lee, Kali (Anthony) Peterson, Matthew (Ashley Sortland) Opatz, Becca Lee, Mackenzie (Ashley) Abel, Hannah (Levi Lewis) Opatz, Stephen Abel, Sam (Jen Eggum) Opatz, Luke Opatz, Grace Opatz, and Jacob Opatz; great-grandchildren, Ayla Hoff, Ella and Andrew Lee, Berkley and Jace Peterson, Aubree and Grayson Sortland, Madison and Morgan Erickson and Mackenzie and Kodi Abel, and Aaliyah and Leia Lewis.

Visitation: 5 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Celebration of Life Service at 6:30 p.m., visitation will continue one-hour prior.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Father Lucho Palomino and Deacon Chuck Kampa

Interment: St. Otto's Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com