Mark Opatz

Mark “Scott” Opatz, 51, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls surrounded by his family and friends. He was born December 4, 1957, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Marcus and Gloria E. (Nickelson) Opatz. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls. He grew up and attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating from high school in 1976. In 1977 he married Patty Wienbar. Together they had one daughter, Stephanie. On September 30, 1988, he married Cynthia Miller in Fergus Falls. Together they had two sons, Matthew and Cody, and one daughter, Hannah. For 30 years he was employed at Sigelman Steel and Salvage. For the last several years he worked for Fergus Falls School District #544. He also helped his good friend at Runningen Furs. Scott always made himself available to help friends and neighbors with various jobs.  Scott was a member of the Association of Harley Davidson Riders. He used his skills and equipment to fabricate metal objects for the holidays and for decoration. He enjoyed fishing, welding, hunting, camping, cooking, and riding his Harley. Preceding him in death were his brother, Matthew, on October 26, 1979, and both sets of grandparents. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” of Fergus Falls; his children: Stephanie (Nathan) Hoff of Fergus Falls, Matthew Opatz of St. Cloud, and Cody Opatz and Hannah Opatz both of Fergus Falls; his parents, of Fergus Falls; a brother, Jon (Debbie) Opatz of Fergus Falls, and a sister, Mary (Bob) Abel of Fergus Falls; and many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was also anticipating the birth of his first grandchild in June of 2009.  His first love was his wife and family, and next came his AHDR brothers and many friends. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with parish prayers at 6:30 p.m., and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:   Father LeRoy Schik Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com