Obituary of MARTIN JOSEPH OPITZ

MARTIN JOSEPH OPITZ

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Martin Joseph Opitz, fondly known as Marty. After a very determined and courageous battle with heart disease, Martin chose his 91^st birthday, Sunday, October 27, 2019 to let his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ usher him into paradise.

Martin is survived by his true love of 61 years Sylvia, Jean, Louise Opitz (nee Beriault); sons Martin, Brian, Wayne (his wife and “adopted daughter” in-law Teresa), and his daughter Sherilynn (with special regard to the memory of her loving husband Rick). In addition, Martin will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Kyla, Jadyn, and Peyton (daughters of Rick and Sherilynn) and Jordan and Dylan (sons of Wayne and Teresa). Martin is predeceased by his father Andrew and mother Theresa, by his, and everyone else’s, “Uncle”, Martin Zwinger, by his brothers’ Paul, Bob and Andy, and sister’s Madge and Margaret. In fact, Martin was the final member of his family to pass.     

Born on October 27, 1928, Martin was raised Roman Catholic in the North End of Winnipeg, Manitoba. His religious upbringing and convictions dictated his early years. Perhaps this is why he shared so many humorous Catholic school stories with family and friends over the years; interestingly, a lot of these stories seemed to revolve around him developing a “healthy appreciation” for the many nuns who oversaw his education and training.

In 1958, at Twenty-nine years of age, Martin wed his true love Sylvia, and the two newlyweds embarked on a life-long journey. Their first three children, “the Boys”, were born in consecutive years, perhaps setting the stage for competitive struggles, as well as many memorable stories, some, of course, more memorable than others. After a long wait – perhaps raising three lively boys in a row had something to do with their decision – Martin and Sylvia finally got their little girl, Sherilynn, also known in some circles as “Princess”. Together, Martin’s family of four shared a multitude of life experiences, from family vacations, camping and fishing adventures, day trips to Weider’s farm, and family parties that always included never-ending polkas and a lot of singing and dancing. As the years went by Martin also enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends at the casinos, often staying out till the wee hours of the morning – or at least until his son’s Brian and Martin picked them up.

Even though Martin slowed down considerably as he aged, he consistently continued to engage in the same qualitative ways with his grandchildren as he did with his own children – cheering for them on the sidelines, and laughing and joking with them, undoubtedly endowing them with a sense that they are in fact special. Martin’s God-given, altruistic ability to not only root for others, but to care deeply for them, indeed made it possible for others to care deeply for him up until his last days.        

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church at 748 Keewatin St., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Rev. Msgr. Enrique M. Samson, Jr. will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers can be made in Martin’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

We will miss you always and forget you never. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for taking such good care of Dad.