Harold Opat, November 13, 1925 — January 07, 2019

Harold’s Obituary Harold Thomas Opat Our Dad Harold, Harry or “H”, one of the last of his generation of Northsiders left to join our mother Joan 11 years to the day after we celebrated her funeral mass. He died peacefully after a brief illness. He lived a full life.

Dad was born in Minneapolis and was a lifetime Northsider. He attended the Ascension School and later, De la Salle High School with the help of the Christian Brothers there. Upon graduation, he proudly served in both the Merchant Marines and the United States Navy during WW II.

Some years after his service he met Joan Burke and fell in love. They married in 1958. Dad was a wonderfully devoted husband and father of five children.

A very, very proud member of Ironworkers Local #512, he made a career in construction and worked on some of the most notable buildings that mark the Downtown Minneapolis skyline including the IDS, Multifoods, Wells Fargo and Thrivent towers. After his retirement, Dad was able to get in some long overdue golf with buddies at Edinburgh USA and Sundance golf courses. He played until he was 89, enjoying comradery and his very good short game.

He also amazed us as he learned computer skills and cooked his various new recipes. When we lost Mom in 2008, Dad rose to fill the void in our lives and we will never forget his devotion to all of his children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Joan Opat.

Survived by sons Mike (Kim, Luke, TJ and Tess), Vince (Renee, Sam, Erin and Kelly), Joe (Sue, Kacie and Timmy), Tom, loving daughter Ann (Kurt, Bennett and Bridget) Fauteck; and nephew Steve (Pam, Nick, Matt) Burke. A special thanks to the Hartos and Roney families for all the love and support over the years. Finally, our deep appreciation to the staff at the North Memorial Hospital Surgical unit and the Allina Jeanne Wedum hospice for all your care and support.

Dad was comfortable and peaceful to the end thanks to you. Private interment Fort Snelling. Memorials preferred to JA Wedum Hospice.

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