John “Jack” Opelka, Jr. 77, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday April 24, 2015 at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park, KS; burial in Maui, Hawaii. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015 at McGilley State Line Chapel where a rosary will be prayed at 4:00p.m.
Jack was born July 21, 1937 in Chicago, IL to John and Catherine Opelka. He graduated in 1955 from Fenwick High School and later graduated from the University of Illinois in 1959. Jack was a Lieutenant in The Army. He met and later married the love of his life, Beatrice Matukas August 8, 1959 in Hinsdale, IL. Jack began his career in Industrial Water Treatment in Chicago and later moved to Kansas City in 1981. He proceeded to purchase his own company, Midland Research Laboratories Inc., where he continued to grow and forge many close relationships in the industry. After many years of success, he sold the business in 2005 and fulfilled his dream of retiring on Maui, Hawaii. Jack was passionate about his family, sailing, traveling the world and was a connoisseur of wine and fine dining. He was very involved with his grandchildren’s lives.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Beatrice Opelka, two children; Julie (Mark)Watts and Michael Opelka; three sisters; Maryann Kautzer, Catherine Santogrossi, Frances Welnowski, a brother; James Opelka, three grandchildren; Jack Opelka, Frank Opelka, and Anna Opelka. He was a vivacious, loving man who will be missed by many.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18