Martin B. Opat Jr., 82, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on October 17, 2024. Martin (Marty) Opat, the son of Martin and Freida Mary (Newman) Opat was born on August 27, 1942, in Salina, Kansas. The Opat family immigrated from Poland and Marty was the youngest of nine sons: Andrew, Joseph, Leo, Edward, Adam, Thomas, John, and Jim.
Marty attended Lindsborg High School in Lindsborg, Kansas, and graduated in 1960. Marty loved athletics and participated in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school years.
Marty was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Cathedral of Salina, Kansas. He served 6 years in the National Guard from 1963 to 1969. Marty began working at Salina Supply Company during this time and spent 54 years holding various positions and responsibilities for the company. Marty loved working with the various plumbers and wholesale customers. He was dedicated to customer satisfaction which included many after hours and holiday time to fulfill those urgent requests.
Married to the love of his life, Nancy (Mick) Opat on November 27, 1965. Together they raised three sons: Shawn (Julie) of Salina, Kansas, Thad (Peg) of Derby, Kansas, & Weston (Malia) of Shawnee, Kansas.
Grandchildren include Olivia, Sara, Harrison, Hudson, and step grandchildren Niles (Paige), Katie (Joel), and Mike (Brandy), and step great-grandchildren, Mikah and Judah.
Marty loved the outdoors: either painting houses in his free time or spending time camping, boating, hunting, or fishing at various places. Above all else, dancing with Nancy was his favorite entertainment. He had a strong passion for following his sons’ sporting activities during their high school and college days. He lived big and played hard. Marty was known for his loyalty. If you were his friend, it would be for a lifetime. Having many friends, Marty carried a few nick names: Big O, Big M, Marty O, Junior, June Bug, Stime, and “The Warehouse Foreman”. He will be missed dearly.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM with a rosary service following at 7:30 P.M at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, Kansas. A graveside service for the family will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.
The family would like to thank The Cedars of McPherson, Kansas, for their constant care and support of Marty through his battle with Alzheimer’s.
Memorial contributions to The Alzheimer’s Association can be made in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N Salina, Kansas. The family appreciates your support to this cause.