May 22, 1939 – April 14, 2021
Don Opie, 81, of Mobridge passed away on April 14, 2021 at Avera Oahe Manor’s Haven Unit in Gettysburg following a nearly 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Donald Steven Opie was born May 22, 1939 in Aberdeen to Harold J. and Catherine (Schwab) Opie. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1958.
Following graduation, Don started his career with National ‘T’ grocery stores. Upon transferring to the Mobridge store, Don met the love of his life, Barbara Schlepp. They were married on November 24, 1962 in Worthington, MN. They returned to Mobridge in the fall of 1963, along with their infant daughter, Holly, when Don accepted a position with Northwest Beverage. Youngest daughter, Heidi, joined the family in 1966.
Don worked for Coast-to-Coast and Borth’s Clothing before being named Emergency Preparedness Director for the Warhawk Civil Defense District in 1982.
Besides his girls, Don’s other love was public service. He joined the Mobridge Volunteer Fire Department in June 1967 and served for 37 years. He was Fire Chief from 1982 to 2002.
He served for 15+ years on the Mobridge Housing Board and was instrumental in the establishment of the Mobridge Townhouses, which were dedicated in his honor. Don also served multiple terms on the Mobridge School Board. He was a member of Jaycees, Toastmasters, and United Congregational Church.
Don was a volunteer at Mobridge schools serving as a basketball referee and as a member of the “chain gang” at football games. Never one to sit still, he played softball and basketball, and was an avid runner. He loved a DQ treat, the Vikings, country music, and a good joke.
Don was inducted into the South Dakota Firefighters Hall of Honor in 2003. He was bestowed lifetime membership to the South Dakota Firefighters Association in June 2005.
December 4, 2007 was declared Don Opie Day by the mayor of Mobridge.
Don is survived by his wife Barbara; daughters, Holly (Pat) Heintzman of Fargo, ND and Heidi (Joe) Roshau of Mobridge; three granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Jeff, ‘Mom’-in-law Emma Schlepp, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his adored canine companions, Alex and Jack.