Richard Dwaine Opalka's Obituary
Richard Dwaine Opalka, 51, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away August 9, 2024, in his home, surrounded by family.
Richard was born in Decatur on December 26, 1972, the son of Richard Wolfcale and Mary Ann Scheibly. He married Charlotte Clower on April 24, 2012, in Las Vegas. Richard worked for many years as a salvage welder at Caterpillar. He was a well-respected and influential member of the UAW Local 751, where he served as Recording Secretary. He was devoted to his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. They meant the world to him. He was an avid traveler who reveled in indulging his wife Charlotte in red carpet treatment on their many trips together. He always found time on Sundays to shoot pool with his sister Kathy. His good-natured, easy smile touched everyone he met. His daily, personal “Good morning” texts will be greatly missed by the many people who received them. He had a great love for music, and his stereo could be heard throughout the house. He enjoyed fiddling around with his guitar and loved South Park and the Simpsons. He was fascinated with motorcycles, and he and his son C.J. planned to each get one and ride together.
Richard is survived by his wife Charlotte; mother Mary Ann Scheibly; children C.J. Sweck of Decatur, Tyler Sweck of Lincoln, Kash Purviance of Decatur, Tiffany Clower of Decatur, Jasmine Evans of Decatur, and Joseph Purviance of Decatur; siblings Chris Opalka, Kathy (John) Pickett, and Matt Opalka; grandchildren Alize Sweck, Ayla Parrish, Ariana Crane, Aaliyah Crane, Andrew Crane, Damon Lowe, Serenity Purviance, Michael Buckus Jr., and Ashton Jones; and nephew Bryer Pickett. He was preceded in death by his father.
A visitation for Richard will be held from 5 to 7pm Monday, August 19, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 10am Tuesday, August 20, also at the funeral home. Burial in Mt. Gilead Cemetery will follow the service. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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