George Lee Opolka

On November 4, 2025, George Lee Opolka left this life to be at peace and rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

George was born in Wamac, Illinois on December 10, 1928, to Albert Paul and Georgia Lucille Opolka (nee Wiley). Albert was a German immigrant.

George was a proud Army veteran serving his country during the last years of WWII in Germany with the 26th Field Artillery and the U.S. Constabulary which was the military peacekeeping force.

Upon his return to the States George began a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Retiring after 43 years in 1993. His time in the U.S. Constabulary sparked an interest in law enforcement and led to his work as a policeman on Troy's first volunteer police department in the 1960's and 1970's.

In 1959, George married Norma Maxine Opolka (nee Wood) and they settled in Troy, IL where they resided for over 65 years.

Throughout most of his life, George was deeply devoted to the study of the God's Holy Word, the Bible, and was a faithful member of Bluffview Baptist Church in Collinsville, IL. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Norma Maxine (nee Wood) and a grandson, Tyler Schwarzkopf, of North Port FL. George is survived by daughters Elena Faye (Joe Doyle), Debra Lynn, Karen Lee (Eric Hassenplug), Son Gary Allan (Sonja), 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

We mourn the passing of our beloved father and grandfather but rejoice in knowing that he has passed from this world of pain and sorrow and has entered the promised land of perfection and peace where he is finally at rest with his Blessed Redeemer.

Memorials may be made to Bluffview Baptist Church, 2052 N. Bluff Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234, Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 7585161, Topeka, KS 66675 or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220

Visitation for George will be from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 8, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL with Rev. Roger Wright officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Friedens Cemetery, Troy, IL.