Bruce Opalka

Bruce E. Opalka, 69, died after a short but courageous battle with acute leukemia, at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, on June 24, 2009. His family and his loving and devoted wife of 36 years were by his side.

Bruce was born Sept. 16, 1939, to William and Anna (Feirstein) Opalka. He grew up in a homestead near Columbia Falls, and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963.

Bruce worked at Superior Lumber as a foreman for 30 years. He also worked in the Glacier National Park for four years and as a custodian for Columbia Falls School District for eight years.

In 1973, he married Ellen Margaret Zanto of Highwood. They made their home at the homestead in Columbia Falls. Mary Ellen Opalka and James William Opalka were born in 1974 and 1978, respectively.

Bruce volunteered with the Bad Rock Fire Department. He was also an honorable member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted member of St. Richard's Catholic Church. He also volunteered coaching basketball while his kids were in school.

Bruce enjoyed outdoor activities with his family, instilling a sense of appreciation for Mother Nature in his children. He would take them hunting, fishing, firewood collecting and huckleberry picking. During one successful year he and his family picked almost 200 gallons. He also "adopted" several grandchildren through the years, instilling in them the sense of wonder of picking up turkey feathers, fishing from the pond and enjoying all things outdoors.

Since his retirement in 2002, he hadn't slowed down. He focused all of his energy into maintaining his homestead and helping his family with their endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Opalka.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Opalka; daughter Mary Opalka; son James Opalka, and future daughter and granddaughter-in-law, Becky and Elizabeth Johnson, of Columbia Falls; brother William Opalka, of San Diego; brother John Opalka, and wife, Lynn, of Polson; sister Diane, and husband, Lyle, of Breckenville, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and adopted grandchildren, Jackson and Madison Birdsell.

Bruce was a very patient and wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation and a rosary were held Tuesday, June 30, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Funeral services were Wednesday, July 1, at St. Richard's Catholic Church, with Father John Miller officiating. Interment took place with full military honors at St. Richard's Cemetery. A reception and celebration of Bruce's life followed in the church's basement.