Duane Phillip Opatril

Duane Phillip Opatril, 73, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Sanford on Broadway, Fargo, ND.

Born October 10, 1951 to Rudy and Marie (Kluck) Opatril, Duane was the 5th of 6 children and lived on the Opatril family farm his entire life. He graduated from Hawley High School in 1969 and then went on to work in the construction industry. He started out working for his brother, Milt, with Milton Opatril Concrete for 10 years, Jerry Kicker Construction for 7 years and the remaining years at Terry Welle Construction until his retirement in 2014.

Duane loved being on the farm and enjoyed nature, gardening, and hunting. When he was able, he spent time at the Montana cabin watching wildlife and then watched them live on his phone at home from a camera when he wasn’t. He had a 1955 Chevy Nomad restored that he was very proud of.

Family meant everything to Duane and he so enjoyed the large family gatherings for holidays and vacations at the lake with cousins. His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart as well as he did in theirs.

Duane is survived by his brothers, Richard (Paulette) and Merlyn; brother-in-law, Keith Gregerson; nieces and nephews, Kim (Tim) Boehm, Steve (Theresa) Opatril, Mike (Tracy) Opatril, Kevin Gregerson (Michelle Lam), Ed Hague, Robert Gregerson, Kathryn Heitmann (Gavin Lewis), Jeff Opatril, Stefanie Ray, Becky (Jeff) Bentley, Rachel (Jake) Anderson, Renne (John) Nysetvold, Ryan Opatril (Tasia Reed), and Samantha Morris.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Marie Opatril; sister, Judy Gregerson; brothers, Milton (Sandra) Opatril and Ronald Opatril; and niece, Brenda Hague.