Edward Opiela

September 2nd, 1958 - May 18th, 2010

Edward's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Edward here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I just got the news about Ed. I went to school with Ed & worked with him for several years. He was one of those people that you just loved being around. He would have fun & make you laugh at anything that was going on.
Bonnie, may you find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering & he may rest in peace now!!!
My thoughts are with his family & the entire (DSM) family as we go through these most difficult days ahead. I wish I could be there with you all. Please take care of yourselves & help one another through this.
Love & miss you all

Cathy Quinn

Bonnie & Family.....Eddie was a great man. We graduated together in 1977 and he was one of the good guys. Always a smile, a caring and fun person I was glad to call my friend. I'm glad we shared a fun time at our 30th Reunion and he will never be forgotten. I know he is in God's arms...once again joined with his Mother and our Heavenly Father. May you find some peace in knowing you'll be together again someday. God Bless you during your time of sorrow, praying for you all. Karin & Chuck

Karin Corey McChesney

Bonnie and Opiela family, I am so sorry for your loss and the emotional pain it brings. We can be thankful that Ed is no longer suffering and is at peace with the Lord. Memories of Ed go way back through our years at St. Basil School. Because my Mom was polish and her heritage was so special to her, I was envious of all of you because you were 100% polish! I didn't see Ed regularly in the past few years but when I did, he always had a smile and friendly greeting which always warmed my heart. I will continue to pray for all of you. The joyful memories of Ed will stay with all of us forever.

Diane Skuza

What a wonderful picture of Ed. You can feel the glow and that glow is why we celebrate his life. Ed is the first one to admit that he was a character. He added that special spice that makes life interesting. He told me the secret to a successful marriage is finding someone who can put up with you. Ed was a lucky man….and found that special lady. I feel that the “ACCIDENT” was fate.
We probably can thank his parents for the way he turned out. The family has a bond that cannot be broken. We should all be so loving. They surrounded him with their love and caring and gave without question.
It’s a circle of love that we all share with this man. We are all so sad …we will miss his laughter and his gallant demure. There would have never been enough. A toast to you my dear friend, happy trails to you till we meet again.
Deb Bussing

Deb Bussing

Dear Bonnie & Family,
I will never forget the moment Eddie arrived in our 1st grade classroom. What a brave child with beautiful eyes who didn't even speak our language. He proved brave then & brave in his disease process. We will miss Eddie... he would tease & bring such joy & a zest for life to all! The class of 1977 & the special bonds of our St. Basil years together has a hole...however!!! Eddie's light is shining thru it. His light will shine on all of us. Bonnie you equaled your partner in being brave! May you feel Eddie's love for you each & every day. Hugs to you Bonnie & family of a great man! Terri

Terri Dotson

Bonnie and the entire Opiela family,
I feel very fortunate to have grown up with Eddie. We had many great times together as youngsters at St Basils.
I am sure it comes as no surprise that we were class clowns together always laughing at what each other said or did. Eddie’s quick wit and sense of humor will never be forgotten. Even when the years passed by and we had not seen each other for awhile, we could pick right back up were we left off years before. Eddie’s warm great smile always shined even through his illness, what a strong loving man he was. When I look back to our school days I will always have fond lasting memories of Eddie and his family. Bonnie when you and Eddie meet I knew that it was a match made in heaven, and I know he is there now in peace watching over you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the Opiela family.

Charlie,Cheryl Hamlin & Family

Bonnie and family our deepest sympathy for your loss...what a pleasure it has been to have known Ed...he was one terrific guy, friends do come into your life for a reason, he has certainly left a very special place in our hearts...we had good times, great laughs, great rides, and we will cherish all those wonderful memories forever...
Please know Bonnie & family that we wish you strength and peace to get through the tough times...call on us for whatever you need as we will be there for you..
Bedzie pan nieudane nasze polskie znajomego ( You will be missed our Polish Friend ) cie kocham....we love you....Mick & Geri

Mick & Geri Kasper

To our Michigan cousins - Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as we remember our dear cousin Eddie. Eddie was the life and laughs of every family get-together and we will miss him. To know Eddie was to know that life was not just meant to be lived, but lived on the sunny side of the street. We can all learn to cherish our time here by remembering how he so dearly cherished his. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you, and we are all blessed for having known and loved your husband, uncle, brother, and son. All our love, your cousins from Chicago.

Jaworski family

I first met Eddie shortly after he arrived from Poland. Staying at a friends house next to where Eddie lived my friend asked if I wanted to meet a new kid that talked funny. It was winter and we went ice skating and played all day outside in the snow. To me, Eddie was the same from that time to the end,alot of fun and always laughing. His strive for excellence was to be admired. From cutting his grass to restoring his Ford Bronco. Everything was as perfect as could be. A truley nice guy with a great smile.

Steve & Kate Otto

Bonnie I just heard about Ed's passing and would like to tell you how sorry I am to hear this. I treasure the years I had working with Ed and the time we spent on the water and in the air playing together. I once taught Ed to fly and feel the freedom and joy that flying brings, but that is nothing compared to the freedom and joy the he is now experiencing with God now. I am sad now but will be happy to join him in the air again in God's presence. Please know ours thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With all our love, Ted and Barb