Karen Louise Opatz, age 80,  passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at her residence in Valley City.  To honor our mom’s wishes, there will be no services.  The family and friends have gathered for a private memorial.

Karen Louise Erickson was born to Andrew and Charlotte (Winson) Erickson, on February 19, 1945 in Valley City, ND.  She attended high school at College High in Valley City and graduated in 1963.  Karen married Elmer Opatz in June of 1964.  They made their home in Oriska ND.  She was a farm wife, raising five children over the years.  In 1987, she began working for the Country Club and worked there for 20 years.  Karen met her best friend and companion of 35 years, Robert Hill in 1990.  They shared the great joy of flea markets and antiquing over the years.  She was always on the hunt for perfect elephants for her granddaughters, Jara and Kiersten.  She was overjoyed and filled with excitement when she got the opportunity to have some of her antiques appraised by the Antique Road Show.  Karen will be remembered for her great sense of humor.

Karen is survived by Robert Hill; Her children: Stephen (Tara) Opatz, Oriska ND; Dominic (Heidi Darling) Opatz, Bradenton, FL; Christine Opatz, Longmont CO; George Opatz, Valley City, ND; John (Tiera) Opatz, Enderlin, ND; Her grandchildren, Candace, Kiersten (Olauson) and Cameron Opatz; Jaiden, Jara and Jaustin Opatz; Dylan and Zachary Opatz; Faith and John Jr. Opatz and eight Great-Grandchildren. Her siblings, Ann (Paul) Carnes, West Virginia; Donna (Gary) Ekern, Valley City, ND; Betty Wade, Valley City, ND; Ronald Erickson, Michigan; One Aunt, Irene Handt, Valley City ND. Several nieces and nephews, cousins and one special bond with her cousin, Sharon.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts and uncles, and her daughter-in-law Jodi (Kvien) Opatz.