Vernon J Opitz, of Summerset, SD, and formerly of Huron SD, died Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Golden Living Center - Black Hills in Rapid City at the age of 78. Vernon was born in Britton, SD to Richard and Ann Opitz and grew up on the family farm near Eden, SD. He Married Arlene Duwenhoegger on September 14, 1953 and helped his father on the family farm until moving to Huron in 1955 where he was employed at Armour Meat Packing Plant until he retired in 1993 after 41 years. Vernon loved to hunt and go fishing at the river with friends and family. He also loved to travel in his younger years, taking several trips to Mexico and around the country. Survivors include his wife Arlen Opitz-Summerset, a daughter, Marilyn Dieken-Piedmont, SD; a son Vern Opitz-Billings, MT; 5 grandchildren; 2 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister and 2 brothers. A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 10, 2010 with a visitation one hour prior to services at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 11, with a visitation one hour prior to services, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huron, South Dakota, with Fr. Terry Anderson presiding. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens in Huron.