Beverly Ann (Zupan) Opitz 79, of Helena, Montana passed away surrounded by her family on December 30, 2019 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (Parkinson’s Disease) and Lymphoma.
Bev was born in Roundup Montana on April 8, 1940 to Lucas and Ann Zupan where she joined her brothers Bob and Don. She had an adventure filled childhood around the Zupan Grocery Store.
She attended Roundup High School and was often self referred to as the Musselshell County Champ out of Camp No. 3. She went on to earn a nursing degree from Carroll College and maintained lifelong friendships. She was drawn to nursing because of her desire to care and help others. She worked for Shodair Children’s Hospital and in an allergy clinic. Throughout her career she made the most amazing friends (sisters) and remembered all of her patients names.
Bev’s greatest joy was her family. She married Don, the love of her life, in 1962. They spent 57 years together and went on to raise five children.
Bev had a sense for adventure and enjoyed traveling. Her Slovenian heritage shined through with her love for music, dancing, and polkas —-especially the chicken dance.
Bev had a positive impact on others throughout her life. She relished in singing an enhanced version of Happy Birthday and making signs for all, and was known as the Birthday Queen in Sun City West, AZ. She never missed an opportunity to dress up for Halloween so she could make people laugh.
She will be remembered for her smile and zest for life!
She is survived by her husband, Don; and children: Mary (Mitch) Goplen of Billings; Donna (Alan) Hulse of Helena; John (Julie) Opitz of Draper, UT; Andrea Opitz (Jim Bryan) of Helena; Jennifer Hoover of Missoula; and grandchildren: Alec Goplen (Jessa, Rowen, Renley); Chase Goplen; Tyler Hulse; Zachary Hulse (Mary); Lucas and Jacklyn Opitz; Charleese and Thomas Hoover.
A vigil will be held Wednesday, January 8th at 6 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A celebration of life Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 9th at 12 p.m. at St. Helena’s Cathedral. Reception will follow at the Brondell Center. Private family burial to follow at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cure PSP (www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give) or to St. Helena’s Cathedral.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday January 9, 2020
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 9, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday January 9, 2020
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Allan & Bev Peterson says
Don & family:
Bev was such a good friend, not only to us but to everyone she met. She was a pistol, the life of every party or get-to-gether.
we had so much fun with her and so many good memories!
She will be missed by everyone who ever met her!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Bev & Al
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Oh Don and family, we are so sorry to hear of Bevs passing. What a wonderful woman she was. We are keeping you all close in thought and sending so much love and prayers for peace your way.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Don.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying tiime. God Bless Bev…..
Allen and Glenda
Vanessa Tolson says
Don & family
So sorry to hear of Bev’s passing she was a great lady and will be missed by many. May God bless you all at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret Woo says
Don,
I am so sad to hear this news. Bev was always so cheerful; I never saw her without a smile. You are in my thoughts.
John & Cherie Dahl says
So sorry to hear about Bev. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don and the family. John’s Mother was born in Roundup and that town brings back some childhood memories 🙏🙏🙏
Dudley Williams says
Don &family: Sorry to read of Beverly passing. My sincerest Condolences.
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
We are so very sorry to hear about Bev. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and the days ahead. God Bess
All our love
Barbara (Graveley) Mackey says
Don and family, so sorry to hear of Bev’s passing what a big hole it will leave in your lives. You may not know this but in 1976, when my infant son died, Bev’s care and love as a nurse at Shodair Children’s Hospital, inspired me to go on and obtain my RN degree from Carroll College as well. Like a pebble thrown in a pond you may never know where the ripples in someone’s life will reach the shore. God bless you all.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Dear Don and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Bev. She was the life of every party!
I loved it when you went on the trips with me at Mountain West Bank, you two always made sure I was ok, esp after Ron died . What a legacy she had left for all of you, be at peace.
Dena Froehlich says
Don and family ~ I am so very sorry to hear about Bev. I understand how difficult it is losing someone so dear to you.
As a youth, I always looked forward to coming to your house with my parents or when you were at my parents house. I will always remember how warm and lovely Bev was. I also remember that laugh of hers! I truly wish that I could make it over to Helena for the services. However, I have a training on that day and quite honestly, after mom and dads deaths; I am not sure if I am ready to attend a funeral at this time.
Much Love and Blessings ~
Janice Magee says
Don and family
My condolences to you. I feel blessed to have known Bev. She always had a smile! When I was a young high school student I worked with Bev at Shodair. She was such a good nurse! I know she will be missed.
Jan Tintinger Magee
Nicole Watson (hairdresser) says
I enjoyed fixing Bev’s hair for her this past couple months! We always had a pleasant conversation and she remained very upbeat! I could tell she loved her family very much and was proud of everything they accomplished and have become. My condolences as you all grieve. I will remember her kindly and miss her smile.
Maggi McKinnon Corbett says
Don and family
Just want you to know how sad I was to read of Bev’s death. I knew you guys it seems like forever through our Helena connections, Bev’s work as a nurse, and then just from seeing you often around town. Never a time was there not laughter shared and memories made. That picture of Bev is exactly who I remember with a smile – she brought joy and laughter always. Hugs to you and your family, Don!
Brigit (Dolan) Hemmer says
Dear Don and family, My deepest sympathies to all of you. Bev was one of the most pleasant people and will be very much missed.
Bill and Sandy Bradford says
Heartfelt condolences, Don, and extended family. We watched your precious family grow up next to Bill and Margaret Bradford at 524 N. Davis. We also enjoyed visiting with you both in Arizona at the annual Montana picnic. May you find solace in our prayer support and friendship all these years. Gods comfort be with each one.
Tracie Grimm says
Don and Families,
What am I going to do without that smile while teaching water aerobics. I could always coiny on a wink and a smile whenever she came in. I didn’t know her long, but am so lucky to have known her. Bless you. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Hold to those memories and she will never be far.
Jim and Connie Erivkson says
We were so sorry to read of Bev’s passing. We’ve known Bev and Don for many, many years. Jim worked with Don, and Don was our realtor when we purchased a home. I would see Bev and Don at the YMCA. She always had a smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and the family. Bless you, Bev.
Kerry Hughes says
Andrea and family,
Sorry to hear about your lovely mom passing away. What a great loss and my heart breaks for you all. I will pray for you and your dear family. May you hold on to fond memories and keep them close to your heart. When we hurt deeply it’s because we loved deeply. Embrace that. Love and God Bless,
Kerry Ware Hughes