Alvin L. Opkis

Alvin L. Opkis, 83, of Nora Springs, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage surrounded by family. 

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania. 

Inurnment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. 

A visitation for Alvin will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 4-6 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be directed to the family of Alvin Opkis. 

Alvin Lavern Opkis was born on April 24, 1941, in Mason City to parents Charles and Minnie (Doescher) Opkis. He graduated from Mason City High School, the class of 1959. On February 11, 1961, Alvin was united in marriage to Phyllis Dye at St. John’s Episcopal Church. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and were blessed with four children. 

Alvin always had a great love for the outdoors. He took the family on many camping trips across the United States. All of which included some time for fishing, especially for walleyes. Some of his favorite fishing spots were Dora Lake, Three Mile, and Big Stone Lake. He could be counted on remembering where all of the hot spots were on every lake he fished at. 

He also enjoyed hunting with his family, working on any small engine, grilling on the deck and mowing his lawn. After retiring from Curries, where he worked as a Leadman for over 20 years, he bought himself a new boat, which he enjoyed using for many years. In his retirement, he also spent time in his vegetable garden, making salsa, and trying out new recipes. He was known to have his own cookbook with all the recipes written down. 

Those left behind to remember him are his beloved cat, Tink; children, Debora Opkis, Mark (Fiancé Mandy) Opkis, Wendy (Mark) Coyle; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one sister, Charlene Groven; and one niece and one nephew.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis in 2024; parents, Charles and Minnie; one son Jarrod Opkis; and one grandson, Zachary Opkis.