Mike Joseph Opalka

Michael "Mike" Opalka of Round Lake, IL passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, after a brief illness during his three-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Mike was born on September 5, 1965, to Elaine Klimek and Kenneth Opalka. During his life, Mike got to be a beloved brother to Gregory Opalka (Kim), Tracy Pirucki (Pete), and Kevin Surufka (Rose).
Mike graduated from Saint Patrick's High School of Chicago, IL in 1983. Early in his adulthood, Mike began work at Aramark Refreshment Services as a Route Sales Representative where he spent 30 years. Although Mike made a career at Aramark, his love for his music and his impeccable art talent never subsided. Prior to his passing, Mike took immense pride in creating animal and pet memorial drawings for friends and family.
In 1994, Mike met Anthena "Tena" (Sergent) Opalka, and they were honored to tie the knot June 10, 1995. On top of his role of loving husband, Mike was honored to be a father to Rebecca "Becky" (Basham) Buss (Jonathan), and Lauren Opalka (Brandon Sears). Mike then got to step into his favorite role: Papa. Mike was lucky enough to have five beautiful granddaughters: Ciara Lynn Basham, Makayla Rose Basham, Harleen Quinn Buss, Danielle Rae Buss, and Isabella Mackenzie Sears.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the family at this time.
Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Mike's life on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Justen's Funeral Home, 222 N. Rosedale Court, Round Lake, IL. Family and friends are welcome to speak to share their memories and stories of Mike near the end of the service if they wish.
For information, please call the Funeral Home at 847-546-3300, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Mike on his tribute wall.