David Opp

A Celebration of Life service for David Opp, 70, of Hebron, will be held at 10:00 a.m. CT, Saturday, March 26, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Hebron, ND, with Pastor Albert Lautenschlager officiating.

Family will be receiving guests Friday, March 25, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Hebron, beginning at 5:00pm with a time of sharing and prayer at 6:00pm.

David Lyle Opp our beloved husband, father, papa, brother, and uncle, entered his heavenly home February 25, 2022.

David was born February 16, 1952, to Simon and Marie (Ketterling) Opp, and was the youngest of their seven children. He grew up on the family farm south of Hebron. David graduated from Hebron High School in 1970 and went on to study electrical technology at NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND. David married the love of his life, Brenda Kitzan, on December 9, 1972 in Hebron. David and Brenda made their life together on the family farm south of Hebron. David and Brenda were blessed to welcome their daughter Melanie in 1973, their son Joshua in 1976, and their 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 was partnered with his son Joel, in Opp Angus. David was always the hardest worker at the ranch. David 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 over the years and he looked forward to the time spent with his children showing cattle for 4-H and at fairs, as it was an extension of the cattle and lifestyle he loved.

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, 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/ranching industry in a variety of ways. His past service included being on the Hebron School Board, Hebron Farmer’s Elevator Board, North Dakota Angus Association, and the Morton County Weed Board.

David loved his immediate and extended family very much. He was proud of his wife, his children, his 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 so many. David was a kid at heart and was a wonderful combination of hard working, yet fun loving. He loved hard and laughed loud! He 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. That is who he was. If he knew of someone’s need, he would do what he could to meet it. He was a generous man and he was an optimist. He 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! David was known for his great hugs, and many have also been lucky to receive the whiskery kiss on the cheek! He wasn’t shy about expressing his love to those he cared about. While we are heartbroken at losing David, our hearts are also grateful for the blessing of many happy and fun memories with him. David leaves us a treasured legacy of faith and love. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

David is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Brenda; children Melanie (Jason) Wentz, Menoken; Josh (Dana) Opp, Dickinson; and Joel (Jamie) Opp, Hebron; 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), 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.