Alois "Al" OPATZ

Al Opatz, Sr., 93, of Healdsburg, CA passed away peacefully in San Francisco with family at his side on September 14, 2013. Al was born in Bowlus, MN. After completing service in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Al moved to California. He enlisted in the Navy at the outbreak of World War II and served in the coastal defense of the western states. In later years, he was the owner of "Al's Transbay Tavern", at 500 4th Street & Bryant (now known as "The Hotel Utah"), where he served many of San Francisco's vibrant personalities including politicians, police, stars, merchants and longshoremen. He appeared in Herb Caen's column on various occasions and was briefly mentioned in Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 movie, "The Conversation". Upon retirement, Al continued working with his wife, Judy, in their Dry Creek Valley vineyard until his passing. Al was predeceased by his son, James, and daughter, Mary Josephine. He is survived by his wife, Judy, sister, Jeanette (Johnson), his children, Therese (Adams), Patricia, Richard, Peter, Margaret (Price), Elizabeth (Gamarra), and Mary (Neustadt). He was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend visitation after 4:00 p.m. Thursday September 19, 2013 with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Fred Young Funeral Home, Cloverdale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Friday at St. Peter's Church, Cloverdale. Interment to follow at Olive Hill Cemetery, Geyserville. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Arrangments by Fred Young F.H. Cloverdale, 707-894-2540.