Edmund J. Opp

Eureka, SD-Private Funeral Service for Edmund J. Opp, 100, of Eureka will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Carlsen Funeral Home. Rev. Dave Irwin will officiate. The service will be live streamed and available at www.Carlsenfh.com under Edmund's obituary.
Burial will be in Eureka City Cemetery.
Edmund died July 14, 2020 at Avera Eureka Health Care Center.
Edmund J. was born to John D. and Elizabeth (Neuharth) Opp on February 27, 1920 at the Opp family homestead located 13 miles northeast of Eureka. He attended rural school for eight years after which he assisted with work on the family farm. During the Great Depression, he worked with the Civil Conservation Corps in the Black Hills of South Dakota where he assisted in Wind Cave construction activities, dam, and bridge building, as well as clearing beetle infested trees.
Edmund was united in marriage to Hulda Retzer of Ashley, ND on August 29, 1943 at Glueckstal Reformed Church located near the Opp family homestead. Edmund and Hulda began their life together at the homestead and raised small grains and livestock. Edmund was drafted into the war and on his way to Fort Snelling when World War II ended, but was then discharged and returned to the farm.
Edmund was very active in community functions. He served on the McPherson County Board, was a 4-H leader along with Hulda for 10 years, taught Sunday School, served on the Hospital Board, Pioneer Museum Board, and Eureka School Board.
In 1977, Edmund and Hulda moved into a new house in Eureka after one of their sons took over the family farm. Farming continued to be a way of life for Edmund and on many occasions, he continued to assist with the farm activities. While living in town, he became a substitute bus driver. He and Hulda also became curators of the Eureka Pioneer Museum which they served for 29 years. During that time, he was instrumental in building up inventory of antique farm equipment. He also assisted in acquiring a schoolhouse and church for the Pioneer Village. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed many walks around Lake Eureka.
In 2015, Edmund and Hulda were honored by the Eureka Modern Woodman of America as being hometown heroes for their many years of volunteer service. He was a lifetime member of the Eureka Reformed Church.
Edmund is survived by his wife Hulda of 76 years and their children; Bruce (Lee) Opp of Mendota Heights, MN, Glenn (Sandra) Opp of Eureka, Nancy (Richard) Speller of Fishers, IN, Lewis Opp of Eureka, and Kirk Opp of Aberdeen; six grandchildren, Damon Opp, Tania Falk, Natalie Bogdan, Andrea Kleymeyer, Craig Albrecht, and Amy Hieb; 12 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Claudia Retzer.
Edmund was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Jordan Opp; 11 siblings, John, Otto, Reuben, Calvin, Rudy, Allan, Elizabeth Ulrich, Bertha Job, Pauline Opp, Helen Donahue, and Alma Donahue.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to Eureka Pioneer Museum or Avera Eureka Health Care Center.
The family would also like to sincerely thank Avera Eureka Health Care Center for their compassion and excellent care given during Edmund's time there.
Honorary Casketbearers are Edmund's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Casketbearers will be Edmund's family.
Carlsen Funeral Home of Eureka has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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