David Opp
Hebron
David Lyle Opp, a beloved husband, father, papa, brother and uncle, entered his heavenly home Feb. 25, 2022.
He was born Feb. 16, 1952, to Simon and Marie (Ketterling) Opp, the youngest of their seven children. He grew up on the family farm south of Hebron, graduating from Hebron High School in 1970 and going on to study electrical technology at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton.
He married the love of his life, Brenda Kitzan, Dec. 9, 1972, in Hebron. The couple made their life together on the family farm south of Hebron and were blessed to welcome a daughter, Melanie, in 1973; a son, Joshua, in 1976; and another son, Joel, in 1980.
David began ranching in 1972 with the purchase of 10 Angus cows from his parents. He was partnered with his brother, Duane, in Opp Brother’s Angus from 1972 until Duane’s retirement from cattle in 2010. From then on, David worked in partnership with his son, Joel, in Opp Angus.
His family remembers him as always the hardest worker at the ranch. He loved any kind of cattle sale, where he was able to visit about all things ranching, farming and cattle. He was also a supporter of 4-H and FFA and looked forward to the time spent with his children showing cattle for 4-H and at fairs.
David was a devoted follower of Jesus and demonstrated the love of Christ to those he met. His church family was important to him, and he served at Bethel Assembly of God in Glen Ullin in a variety of ways. He was a preschool Sunday School teacher for many years, served on the church board, was an usher and volunteered his time at the youth center, The Zone.
David also served his community and the farming and ranching industry. He was a director of the Hebron School Board, the Hebron Farmers Elevator Board, the North Dakota Angus Association and the Morton County Weed Board.
David loved his immediate and extended family. He was proud of his wife, children, children’s spouses and all his grandchildren. He enjoyed time spent with friends and family and really looked forward to the annual Opp Family Reunion. David and his siblings called themselves “The Magnificent Seven” and these were great times of connecting with one another and the extended Opp family.
David was a loyal friend to many and a kid at heart. He loved hard, laughed loud and loved to tease and joke.
He was always caring for his wife and family through so many small and large acts of service each day. If he knew of someone’s need, he would do what he could to meet it. He was a generous and optimistic man who loved people and was always striking up conversations with anyone everywhere he went. You weren’t a stranger for long if you happened to meet David Opp, his family said.
David was known for his great hugs. Many were also lucky to receive his whiskery kiss on the cheek, as he wasn’t shy about expressing his love to those he cared about.
David is survived by his loving wife Brenda; three children, Melanie (Jason) Wentz of Menoken, Josh (Dana) Opp of Dickinson, and Joel (Jamie) Opp of Hebron; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Alaina and Jesse Wentz, Carter and Dylan Opp, Natalie (Dave) Ballon, Jamison and Wyatt Opp; siblings Norma Petersen, Ivan (Linda) Opp, Mary Ann Unruh, Duane (Rita) Opp and James (Carolyn) Opp; brother-in-law Greg (Sandi) Kitzan; sisters-in-law Renee Sloan, Victoria Moore (Joe Armijo) and Fayette (Tim) Atkinson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Marie; brother Allen and sister-in-law Fern Opp; brothers-in-law George Petersen, Clarence Unruh and Dave Sloan; and father- and mother-in-law Reinhold and Florence Kitzan.