William Opalka

William Opalka, 90

Bill Opalka, 90, passed away in Davis, California on June 17, 2024.  

Bill was born March 22, 1934, in Columbia Falls.  He was the firstborn of four children to William P. Opalka and Anna E. Fierstein.  He attended school in Columbia Falls and graduated at age 18, class of 1952, from Columbia Falls High School. 

In 1952 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He was a Korean War veteran.  On July 18, 1957 he married Marilyn E. Levang.  They moved to San Diego, California in 1960.  He continued to work for the U.S. Naval Public Works Dept. in San Diego until his retirement in 1994.  

They had three children, Suzanne, Scott, and Beverly.  Bill was active in the Catholic Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and volunteered at the Chula Vista VFW.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.  He was a member of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Assoc. (ALPCA). 

Bill married Donna Border Lott in 2009 in Columbia Falls.  They were schoolmates and shared memories and friendship that grew into love and marriage.  Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brothers John D. Opalka Bruce E. Opalka, wife Marilyn Opalka, and wife Donna (Border) Lott-Opalka. 

Bill is survived by daughter Suzanne M. Shinsky (John), son Scott W.C. Opalka (Joy), and daughter Beverly M. Opalka (Maria), as well as sister Diane Neuleib (Lyle), five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.