Johnny "John" Opat

Johnny John J. Opat, age 53, of Rochester, died of cardiac amyloidosis on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus in Rochester. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m.on Monday, December 7, 2015, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12th Ave. NW in Rochester. The visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the family and will be put towards amyloidosis research. John was born on March 9, 1962, in Mason City, IA, to Wesley and Dolores (Ludwig) Opat. He graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco, IA and from North Iowa Area Community College. He was a salesman for a short time at Sears before starting his lifetime career as a car salesman. John began his career in Winona at several dealerships and spent the last 25 years at Clements Chevrolet in Rochester.On September 18, 1998, hecreated his cherished family when he married Peggi Rose Morken. John enjoyed traveling, to Las Vegas, out west to Yellowstone, and especially vacationing with his grandchildren to Alexandria fishing. He enjoyed NASCAR and traveled to Daytona Beach for Daytona 500 many times. John also raced stock cars in his lucky #29. He loved being by the water, both the lake and the ocean. He was loveable, compassionate and giving to his family, friends and customers. John was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. John is survived by his wife, Peggi of Rochester; sons, Luke (Daphne) Dickens of Des Moines, IA, John Morken of Rochester; daughter, Katie Morken of Rochester; four beautiful grandsons who were his best little pals, Micah, Carson, Alec and Declan; mother, Dolores Opat-Ludwig of Clear Lake, IA; brothers, Les Opat of Limes Spring, IA, Matthew (Therese) Opat of Chatfield; sister, Liz (Clark) Wiger of Chatfield; nieces and nephews who thought he was the best; mother-in-law, Jean Rose of Winona; brothers-in-law, Mike Rose of Chippewa Falls, WI, Stephen (Jennifer) Rose of Rochester, Dan (Julie) Rose of Muscatine, IA; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Ray) Giebel of Rochester; and Pat Rose of Winona; and other extended family members. John was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Opat; brother, Joel Opat, father-in-law, Everett Rose, and nephew, Christopher Opat.