Elmer Opatz

1944 - 2025

Elmer Opatz, 81, Valley City, ND passed away November 15, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND while surrounded by family. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 19 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fingal, ND. A prayer service will be there starting at 7:00 Wednesday evening. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, November 20 at 10:30 AM in Holy Trinity and he will be laid to rest in the St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Valley City. The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.

Elmer was born to George and Cecilia (Gruman) Opatz, February 27, 1944, in Valley City, ND. He attended St Catherine High School and graduated in 1962.
Elmer married Karen Erickson in June of 1964. They made their home in Oriska ND, where he was farming with his dad. They had five children over the years. During these years, he became a Deacon through the Fargo Catholic Diocese and served the Catholic faith for 10 years.

In 1982, Elmer returned to college and received a degree in business from VCSU. He moved to St. Paul, Ada, MN and eventually, Oakes, ND while working as a crop adjuster/insurance agent. His favorite place he settled over the years was Oakes where he made many friends there and enjoyed the community.

Following retirement, Elmer moved to Jamestown, ND. He married Teri Moran on August 29, 2014, while on a trip to Medora, ND. They loved traveling together, especially with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Michelle Rocky. They were a perfect fit and just enjoyed each other's company.

Elmer is survived by his children: Stephen (Tara) Opatz, Oriska ND; Domonic (Heidi Darling)
Opatz, Bradenton, FL; Christine Opatz, Longmont CO; George Opatz, Corpus Christi, TX; John (Tiera) Opatz, Enderlin, ND. His grandchildren, Candace Jund, Kiersten Olauson and Cameron Opatz; Jaiden, Jara and Jaustin Opatz; Dylan and Zachary Opatz; Faith and John Jr. Opatz; and eight great-grandchildren also survive him. He also leaves three stepchildren; brother-in-law, Duke Miemietz, Jamestown, ND; sister-in-law, Michelle Rocky and brother-in-law and good friend, Bob Rocky, WI.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law Jodi (Kvien) Opatz; his wife, Teri; and several aunts and uncles.