Mary Jo Opatz

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 11, 2017 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel for Mary Jo Opatz, age 74, of St. Wendel who passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Reverend Eugene Doyle will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:00 on Tuesday all at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Parish prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Mary Jo was born on March 29, 1943 in St. Cloud to Albert and Julia (Mock) Riesner. She married LeRoy Opatz on November 28, 1963 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel. She worked many jobs throughout her life.

Mary Jo enjoyed baking and is known for her coffee cakes, gardening, shopping, and repurposing furniture. She loved all the time spent with her family.

Mary Jo is survived by her children, Scott of Avon, Kip of St. Joseph, Julie (Steve) Kierzek of Avon, Jody of Bowlus, Mike (Tricia) of Holdingford and Casey (Jason) Spychala of Albany; 14 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Eileen Pogatchnik, Rita Waldoch, Aggie Scherping, John, Jane Heurung, Tim, Kathy Brix; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Charlie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2008; brothers and sister, Michael, Albert, Barbara Schwindel, and Steve.