DavaDene “Davie” J. (Opatz) Schleper, age 69 of Delano, passed away January 22, 2017 at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 12, 1947 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Anthony and Erma Ann (Wolney) Opatz.

Davie grew up in St. Wendel, Minnesota and graduated from Holdingford High School in 1965. Through the years, she has lived in St. Cloud, Waite Park, Buffalo and Delano.

Davie spent her life taking care of her family and working at various Nursing and Assisted Living Homes. She was a simple woman who enjoyed the small things in life, family, friends, laughter, good conversation, a good cup of coffee, shopping, traveling and trips to the Casino. She was caring and mostly thought of others before herself, always with a smile on her face.
Davie will be remembered for always looking at the positive in life. She will be deeply missed.
Davie was preceded in death by her parents; brother Cletus Opatz; brother-in-law Larry Brinkmann. She is survived by her children Ryan (Anna) Schleper and Rhonda (Matt) Hanson; grandchildren Nathan and Lily Hanson; sister Marlys Brinkmann; sister-in-law Mary Jo Opatz; nieces SharLayne Brinkmann and Jennifer Meyers; nephews Gaylen Brinkmann, Tony Opatz and Tom Opatz as well as many extended family and special friends.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Delano. A gathering of family and friends was from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the Mass, at the church. Inurnment was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Marlys Brinkmann, SharLayne Brinkmann and the staff at Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home for all their love and care.