Obituary of Henry OPIE

Henry C. Opie passed away on November 26, 2004 in Las Vegas, NV at the age of 87. Hank, as he was known to his friends, was born on June 20, 1917 in Madison, SD to Harry and Hazel (Kottick) Opie.Hank enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. While in the Army, Hank became a member of the 77th Bomb Squadron as a tail gunner. Hank was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military service, Hank went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad where he worked on the steam engines. After leaving the railroad, he worked as a welding engineer traveling all over the United States.After retiring, Hank moved to Lake Havasu City with his wife, Edith and the family and started Havasu Wheels in 1969. Among Hank's passions were music, golf, motorcycling and flying, getting his pilots license at 62 years old.Hank is survived by his daughter, Nancy Roewer and her husband Fred of Lake Havasu City; son, Robert Opie and his wife, Sheri. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jim Roewer and his wife, Debi, Sandy McCormack and her husband Terry, Kim Lake and her husband Joe and Scott Opie, as well as seven great grandchildren, Heather, Sean, Tawnya, Cody, Courtney, Jessica and Dustin. Also surviving Hank is his longtime companion Elsie Brown and her daughter Pam and his sister Lucille Murrin.Hank was preceded in death by Edith, his wife of 40 years, who passed away in 1980.In honoring Hank's wishes, no services are to be held. The family requests that contributions can be made in Hank's name to the Cancer Society of Lake Havasu, 2126 McCulloch Blvd. #7, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.