Margaret Opatz

Margaret Ann (Clark) Opatz, 85, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2023. She was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandma, "Aunt Margie," sister and friend. She is remembered as someone who brought people together, a faithful child of God, an optimist and a fighter until the end. Marge was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Marge was born in St. Paul on December 19, 1937. She was a proud alumna of the Catholic girls' school, St. Joseph Academy, and graduated from the University of St. Catherine's with a teaching degree. She taught and dabbled in other ventures throughout her life.

Marge met Donald Opatz while teaching home economics in Eden Valley and went on to marry him on June 10, 1961. Don and Marge had five children: Ruth, Tom, Dave, Dan and Maureen. Her family and friends were her greatest joy.

Marge enjoyed traveling, gardening, genealogy and spending time at her beloved cabin. She made life a celebration. Every day, she brought joy to those around her. She loved playing games; she was a member of multiple bridge clubs for 50+ years and was always up for a game of Scrabble. She was a proud cancer survivor and supporter of the arts, along with many different charities. Marge was a loving servant of God throughout her life; she and Don were active parishioners at the Church of St. Peter in North Saint Paul, and Church of Saint John the Evangelist of Little Canada.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Clark; and her siblings, Jack Clark, Virginia Fobes and Mary Marble. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Don; children Ruth (Phil) Sinn, Tom (Amy), Dave (Lisa), Dan (Kathleen), and Maureen (Eric) Willett; grandchildren Riley (Sarah), Maria, Nick, Sam, Abby, Tavis (Lexa), Emma, Andrew, Jake, Ryan, Zach, Ali and Michaela; great-granddaughter Sophia; sisters Patty Mullen and Kathy Clark; best friend since grade school, Liz Witte; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 23rd, at Church of Saint Peter, 2600 Margaret St N, North St Paul. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Sunday, January 22nd, at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, and an hour prior to the mass on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Margaret's name to the North St Paul Area Food Shelf or the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to thank Dr. Cheema and his oncology staff at St. John's for her care, as well as AccentCare Hospice and the staff at The Commons on Marice who helped care for her in her final days.