William (Bill) Opitz passed away on Nov 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Helena. Bill was born to Elmer and Lola Opitz on June 22, 1941, and spent his childhood roaming the Westside of Missoula, playing every sport imaginable. Starting in grade school, he worked at the family butcher shop on Woody Street, where he developed brawn by packing beef, honed his people skills with customers, and sharpened his dexterity to keep his fingers while cutting meat. In Missoula, he attended St. Francis Xavier grade school and Loyola High School. He then graduated from the prestigious Naval Academy in Nuclear Physics before serving on a submarine. After service, he returned to Montana with his wife, Judy, and two kids, Kim and David, where he received an MBA from the U of Montana and embraced the final 54 years of his life.
To know Bill was to witness a devoted husband. He married the love of his life, Judy Schureman, on Nov 7, 1964. Their 59-year marriage revolved around parenting, grandparenting, camping, vacationing, and fishing. They became Yuma snowbirds, jitterbug partners, slot machine mates, pinochle partners, and the list goes on. The yin and the yang.
To know Bill was to witness a family man. He displayed a proud affection for his children and was a fantastic Papa to his grandkids. He became the fun “Uncle Fish” to his nieces and nephews and held tight to the childhood memories of his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, extended family, and in-laws. With Bill, blood was thicker than water.
To know Bill was to witness a competitor. In high school, he shined as a shrine-game quarterback, all-state basketball player, and champion shot-putter. He became a teammate to two Heisman trophy winners at the Naval Academy. He constantly won in poker, cribbage, pinochle, horse, or any game imaginable. He could throw a football behind his back into a bucket 30 yards away.
To know Bill was to witness generosity. What was his was yours. He was always willing to lend a hand and he served his country during the Vietnam War. He had no want for material things (except an occasional boat) and never stole anything (except an occasional wedding pie). You could always count on a phone call from Bill to check in on you.
To know Bill was to witness unbridled passion. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He faithfully cheered the Montana Grizzlies. Same with the Capital Bruins. He championed the underdog and advocated for the maligned.
To know Bill was to witness leadership. He became commander of his graduating company at Annapolis, where future Rear Admirals forever called him “their leader.” The PSC created an Executive Director post for him. The governor recruited him to be Deputy Director of the Health and Environmental Services. His employees admired him and enjoyed his celebration of their birthdays.
To know Bill was to witness toughness. Natural physical strength, he packed sides of beef in High School. He never backed down from bullies. He’d intercede at any time to protect his family and friends.
To know Bill was to witness a Montanan. His word was his bond, and strangers quickly became friends. He wanted to explore every backroad. Fish quaked in his presence when he graced a stream with his rhythmic cast or trolled a lake with precise speed and depth. Birds, deer, and elk filled his freezer, often with the help of his buddy, Frank Buckley.
To know Bill was to witness a storyteller. His reciting of childhood adventures allowed his previous generation to live on with his descendants. He told stories of hunting. Of fishing. Of sports. And he told those stories to everyone. When he left a waiting room, surrounding strangers would say, “Nice to talk with you, Bill.” The only thing better than a story was to hear his gifted voice sing, often accompanied by his daughter. His grandkids looked forward to Christmas mass every year when they could hear him sing Silent Night.
We will always remember Bill for his strong friendships and his adoration of his family. We’ll always imagine hearing him say, “We’re burning daylight’” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, brother, papa, uncle, father, friend, and mentor, and we will miss him every day. Bill’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lola Opitz, and sister, Sondra Creighton. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy; daughter Kim (Dave) Stenberg of Kalispell; son David (Trish) Opitz of Missoula; grandkids Sarah Opitz (Zac Barta), Erin (Zac) Hook, Joseph Opitz, Jessica (Colton) Frazier, and Jackie Stenberg; his brother Jim (Patty) Opitz of Helena and sister Mary Opitz of Dallas; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary and stories at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec 1, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec 2, at St. Mary’s, with a reception to follow. Interment will be at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula on Monday, Dec 4 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, in lieu of flowers, you can donate to God’s Love, St. Jude’s, or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 2, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Saturday December 2, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Monday December 4, 2023
Western Montana Veterans Cemetery
1911 Tower St.
Missoula, Montana 59804
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 2, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Saturday December 2, 2023
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Monday December 4, 2023
Western Montana Veterans Cemetery
1911 Tower St.
Missoula, Montana 59804
Dave Van Nice says
Uncle Fish represented the best example of a true Montanan. He was modest, generous, thoughtful and provided a model for the rest of us on how to live a meaningful life. I’m just wishing I had one more chance to have him deal a poker hand of 4 by 4 split the pot. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Opitz family at this time as we are celebrating the life of an extraordinary man.
Sharon Baker Heigh says
Judy and Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sharon Baker Heigh and Family
Jim Sandman says
Dear Judy, family and friends of Bill,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Bill´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor in the U.S. Submarine Force.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Judy and family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
http://www.jimsandman.com
Melanie Allen says
Mary,
I am very sorry to learn of your brothers passing. I know this is a tough time of year to lose someone. My prayers will be with you and your entire family. Bill sounds as though he was an amazing man. Love to all of you.
Sincerely,
Melanie
John Driscoll says
Accurate description of a valuable friend. We first met, both home from military service, as fellow students in the UM MBA program. Later we served for years on the Montana Public Service Commission. Guys like Bill are few and far between.
Brad Tschida says
While only being modestly familiar with the Opitz family, I was a big fan of his brother, Jim, as well as having the benefit of having Bill provide some assistance to our high school basketball team at Loyola during my junior year.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Marcia Phillips says
Mary
I was so sorry to hear about your brothers passing. His obituary was a real tribute to a life he lived very well.
He and my oldest sister Sharon were classmates.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please take care of one another.
Laura Calkin says
Dear Judy and Family. I;m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I greatly enjoyed working with him during his time at the PSC, as well as chatting with Bill and Judy when I saw them. Both always stopped and visited. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Judy Campbell says
A very beautiful tribute to your amazing Dad,Kim. Our condolences to you all. Larry and Judy Campbell