Dennis R. Opal

Dennis R. Opal, 77, of Fort Wayne, IN and formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on January 3, 2020 at his residence in Fort Wayne, IN.

Mr. Opal was born on February 15, 1942, in Grand Rapids, MI, to George Anthony Opalewski and Eleanore (Barziekowski) Opalewski. His parents preceded him in death.  Mr. Opal married Ann L. Ware on December 17, 1994.  She survives and lives in Fort Wayne, IN. 

Mr. Opal graduated from Cathedral High School, Indianapolis in 1960.  He attended Indiana University Bloomington.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Mr. Opal worked at Jack Dustman & Associates, Indianapolis for 7 years. He purchased the Dairy Queen Brazier in Huntington in 1972, which he operated for 28 years.  He also owned several other Dairy Queen restaurants in the area. In the early 1990s, Dennis operated a GTE/Verizon wireless agency in Huntington for 22 years.  During this time, he started Opal Development Inc, and operated 40,000 sq ft of professional offices, including North Pointe Properties.                                                       

He was on the board of what is now Pathfinders Services for 6 years, serving as President in his last year. He was a founding member of Life Long Learning of Huntington County. He was a member of the VFW 2689 and American Legion Roanoke.  He was a 3rd degree in Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, IN and a former member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntington, IN. 

Dennis is survived by his wife Ann, one son, Paul A. (Jody) Opal, Fort Wayne, IN; one daughter, Lynn E. (Chris) Frank, Salsbury, NC; one step-son, Doug (Kris) Coyle, Huntington, IN and one step-daughter, Margie Coyle, Grand Rapids, MN; and 5 grandchildren.  He is also survived by one brother, Lawrence (Barbara) Opal, McDonough, GA and one sister, Lois Bromley, Haddenfield, NJ.

 Dennis was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Leslie E. Opal and a brother, Robert Opal.   

Calling will be held on Thursday January 9, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home 715 North Jefferson St.  Huntington, IN 46750

 A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday January 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM with one hour of calling prior to Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 903 North Jefferson St. Huntington, IN  46750.

Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Honor Flight of N.E. Indiana

in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN  46750.

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