Sandy Opp, 73, Eureka, SD, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Bismarck Sanford Medical Center.
Sandra Ellen Krein, daughter of Gertrude (Were) and Earl Krein, was born in Eureka on April 22, 1951. Her schooling included Eureka Public School and South Dakota State University. In 1973, She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics specializing in Textiles and Clothing.
On February 20, 1975, Sandy married Glenn D. Opp at the Eureka Reformed Church. They lived on the Opp Ranch most of their life. Together they raised a family of two sons. Damon Glenn Opp was born April 30, 1978 and Jordan Alan Opp was born July 14, 1981.
Because of Glenn’s support and assistance, Sandy was able to pursue many vocations. To her, work was a passion. She was blessed to be able to have the energy to both raise a family and embark on many career adventures. After graduating from SDSU, she worked for Titche-Goettinger company in Dallas, TX for two years prior to “coming home” to get married. After settling into married life, in 1977 she was given the opportunity to open The Gentry, a Women’s specialty clothing store in Eureka. In 1984, a branch store called “Our Closet” was established in Bowdle in conjunction with Opp’s Clothiers, Inc. The business operated through May 1985.
She then chose another career avenue and did marketing for Eureka Designs. Thereafter, she was one of the founders of Day Break, Inc., a home furnishings manufacturer and contract sewing business. She served as president from 1986-1992 as well as being responsible for the marketing and procurement of contracts. In 1992, Day Break, Inc was sold to Ultimate Direction and she stayed on as General Manager until 1994.
Sandy then ventured into Economic Development and was hired by the City of Ashley, ND as their community coordinator. In 1998, she was hired by the State of North Dakota as an Associate Project Manager for the Economic Development and Finance Department (part of the US Department of Commerce). She traveled extensively across the US for this position.
Over the years, Sandy was involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and the Eureka Study Club. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Eureka Reformed Church. She taught Sunday school and held numerous offices In the Ladies Aid. She loved to do quilting, knitting, scrapbooking, and crosswords. Creating one-of-kind, unique crafts for friends and family was most fulfilling to her. Summarizing, just “being” was more precious than all the “doing” she was involved in throughout her life. She was thankful to the Lord for the many blessings she was granted and for her wonderful family. Friendships were so important to Sandy as she cherished keeping in touch with friends and family across the miles. She regularly sent cards and old-fashioned letters because she loved to. This was a family tradition she carried on. Being of deep faith, despite many medical challenges, she always had a positive attitude and encouraging words for others.
Sandy is survived by Glenn, her husband of 49 years; one son-Damon Opp of Aberdeen, SD; and one brother, Gary (Nancy) Krein of Eureka.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Earl, on November 18, 2012; her mother, Gertrude, on November 11, 2014; and her beloved son, Jordan, on June 19, 2014.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Eureka Reformed Church led by Rev. Jimmy John Hall. Interment follows at the Eureka Cemetery. Pianist will be Pat Grenz and usher will be Earl Mehlhaff. Congregational hymns will be “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Moment by Moment”.
Honorary bearers will be members of the Eureka Reformed Ladies Aid, members of the Eureka Study Club, and Steve Krein of Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada.
Casketbearers will be Greg Hieb and Weston Hieb of Sioux Falls, SD; Jason Falk of Jamestown, ND; Tommy Falk of Bismarck, ND; Tim Mehlhaff of Eureka; and JD Krein of New York, NY.
Visitation commences 5:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2025 at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka, with a prayer service scheduled for 6:45 PM.
Sandy’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.
Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.
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