Search by Name

Search by Name

Nicholas Opse Obituary

Age 29 of Cottage Grove Feb. 3, 1983 - June 19, 2012 Passed away after a courageous struggle with lymphoma. Nick is survived by his parents, Allen and Roxsanne; the love of his life, Dana Kaping; his miracle "little man", Cody Nicholas Opse; and numerous siblings. Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Friday, June 22, at Light The Way Church, 7000 Jamaica Ave. S, Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior. Private family interment at Newport Cemetery. 651-459-2483


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Jun. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Opse

Not sure what to say?





Brandy Opse

November 9, 2019

Thank you for picking the best guard dog ever for your sister. RED
I only knew and told your niece and nephew that we were getting a dog and his name would be Red because I spiritually knew it. I told kids we are getting a dog and its name is going to be Red because you loved the Blake Shelton song old red. Then, Cassy got off bus one day, I was sitting on patio, and I looked and asked if she wanted a dog. We picked up Jameson, went to Coon Rapids, and RED was there waiting for us. Thank you for leading us to him. Thank you, Nick. Old Red is happy here. Memories continue after your physical passing because you are spiritually still in the physical realm. It isn't the same but it is still something. xoxo

Brandy Opse

July 14, 2018

Still thinking about you every single day and missing you. Thank you for spiritually still being present. You are a great "little,big brother" still and forever.

kristen hudson-mongiat

July 11, 2012

i just found out about nicks passing. i remember his smile and how laid back he was. i havent seen nick since graduation day, but never forgot how gernerally nice he was to everyone in high school. we'll never forget nick opse!

Lee Daniels

June 22, 2012

Dana may you have comfort knowing that Nick is at peace now. He will always be watching over you and Cody. Remember to always reach out to others when you need help and support, you don't have to raise little Cody alone. Nick will be greatly missed by many. Stay strong. Lots of love is being sent your way.

Darlene Johnson

June 21, 2012

At times like these, words are never enough it seems. Hans Christian Andersen said it best when he said "A human life is a story told by God". Nick told a wonderful story that will be forever remembered by all whose life he touched. To the Opse family, to Dana, and little Cody, my sympathies and love go out to you at such a difficult time

Roger & Mary Kaping

June 21, 2012

To nick's family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Nick was a wonderful person. Dana, Cody and Family,
We are deeply sadden by your loss. We know how much love Nick and Dana shared, and wished they had more time. we are finding some comfort in knowing Nick is at peace and no longer in pain. He will always be watching over Dana and Cody. We are here for you at any time.

Deb Lund

June 21, 2012

The world lost an amazing man! I am so greatful that I am able to have some wonderful memories of him! I am praying for his hole family right now and Nick. I pray that he is able to rest in peace and have no more pain! Renee I am so sorry that you have had to lose not only your wonderful loving brother but also your best friend!!! I know how very close you two were and still are because you know he is going to alway be with you looking over you and even messing with you anytime he can ;) Dana I cant even imagine what you are feeling right now I belive Nick will be with you and Cody all the time to protect you both and watch over you! You will be an amazing mother to his little mini and know that he has his angle to watch over him and keep him safe where ever he is! Opse family I am so so sorry for your loss I will always keep you in my prayers and I pray that you will have strenght to get though these times! prayers,love and strenght to you all!

Deb,Doug,Ky&Jaye

karen & Dennis Johnson ( Kaping )

June 21, 2012

I'm sorry for your loss Dana,Opse family and Dana's family he was the greatest thing that ever happened to my niece he was taken way too soon, we will all miss Nick very much he was like a nephew to me and his little miracle man is adorable. You will forever be missed and in our hearts.

Denita, Mike,Dylan & Dayvin

June 20, 2012

My heart is filled with sadness for my sister Dana and godson Cody Bear, and the entire opse family, i have known them for years! We will speak of u often Nick, u are an easy going type of guy who enjoyed the simple things in life! U touched everyone u meet. U will be missed and cherished in my heart forever. Thank u for loving my sister so much and giving us a part of u in Cody. We will take care of them. Love U!!

aleasha dietrich

June 20, 2012

i love u cuzo u will forever be in my heart. aleasha

candi nelson

June 20, 2012

My heart and thoughts go out to his large and loving family and to his love dana and his little boy cody

Aricka Abbate

June 20, 2012

I cant even express the man the world lost. Nick was so kind and good to everyone he meet. He was such a funny guy. I going to miss him so much we have so many great memories. Expecially when he decided to come camping with the six of us girls and him. ( he never did that again)Roxanne and Dana if you guys need anything please call. I am praying for your family. Aricka

Stacie Dahl

June 20, 2012

Dana, Cody, Brandy and Family,
I cannot adequately express my sadness at the passing of such a sweet and gentle man. I wish for you the continued joy of having known such a wonderful soul and the peace of knowing that he is beyond pain and now watches over you.

Barb & Rog Rasmussen

June 20, 2012

Our prayers go out to the Opse family and Dana. May time accomplish what no words can do. May time be a source of healing for you.

Dan Bour (Mac Tools)

June 20, 2012

Nick was a customer and friend of mine for over 10 years. He was always such a mellow and laid back guy. He liked to try to get a better deal on tools by asking for the "family discount." It always seemed to work. My young daughter had a huge crush on Nick and would ask me every Thursday, "Did you see Nick Oops today?" She thought his last name was "OOPS". He always smiled and turned red when I would tell him she was crushing on him.

Karen & Marcus

June 20, 2012

I'm deeply saddened for the loss of Nick's family and for Dana and Cody. We are here for you both, whatever you need. It was truly a blessing to have known Nick.

Missy, Marty, Sophie,& Graysyn Lange-Jensen

June 20, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers for the Opse family and Dana. Nick was such a wonderful man and loving father. Nick will never be forgotten. If there is anything that you need Dana please let us know we are all here for you and we all love you!

enjoying each other's company

kelly Johnson

June 20, 2012

Dana and Nick having a good time

Kelly Johnson

June 20, 2012

Tracy & Matt Aguirre

June 20, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. Nick was a wonderful guy and will be missed by all! Dana we are all here for you and will help you get thru this difficult time. I do feel too you have a part of Nick in that lil guy Cody that will always shine on and love you dearly!! Nick will always be in our thoughs and will live on. We love you guys dearly!

Roxanne DeMarre

June 20, 2012

Dana I'm so sorry for the loss of Nick I wish there was something I could say or do to make you feel better. It's not easy loosing someone you love. I'm here for you if you or Cody need anything.

Kelly Johnson

June 20, 2012

I'm so sorry for the loss. Nick was a great guy and will be deeply missed. His family will be in our prayers. Dana you are very loved and have very supportive family that will help you get thru this difficult time. That little man Cody will bring you happiness when you are down. Always remember you have a part of Nick in him! Nick will always be in our thoughts!

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in Nicholas Opse's name

Memorial Events
for Nicholas Opse

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Nicholas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Nicholas Opse's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more