In loving memory of

Ross Opsal

May 15, 1956 - January 4, 2026
From: Sac City, IA
Ross Opsal

Ross Opsal

Born: May 15, 1956
Died: January 4, 2026
Age: 69
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Ross M. Opsal, age 69, died peacefully on January 4, 2026, at his home in Sac City, IA.

Ross was born on May 15, 1956, and was raised in Armstrong, IA, by his parents, LeRoy and Dona Opsal. He graduated from Armstrong High School in 1974 and went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Ross married Judy Kelly. They welcomed their daughter, Sarah Jo Opsal, on July 28, 1984. Ross began his career in education teaching in New Hampton, IA, while working toward his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

Ross dedicated his life to education and leadership. He served as Principal in Mount Pleasant, IA, from 1986 to 2002, during which time he earned his Education Specialist Degree from the University of Iowa. He later served as Superintendent in Sac City from 2002 to 2006, and continued his superintendent career in Algona, IA, and Huron, SD.

Ross’s first wife, Judy, preceded him in death. He married Denise Blaue on January 20, 2007.

Ross loved working with children and was deeply committed to education. Outside of his professional life, he enjoyed playing bridge, reading, and hunting. He was known for his quick wit, strong sense of humor, and thoughtful leadership, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues, students, and friends alike.

Ross is survived by his wife, Denise Opsal of Sac City, IA; daughter Sarah Opsal (Tayler) of Salt Lake City, UT; mother Dona Opsal of Armstrong, IA; sisters Wendy Oleson (Bill) of Armstrong, IA, and Michele Doskocil (David) of Trophy Club, TX; stepchildren Tara Cox (Harold), Ryan Bearbower (Andrea), and Dane Merry (Megan); five grandchildren;  many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Opsal; and first wife Judy Opsal.

Ross will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love of family, and the positive influence he had on countless lives.

SERVICES
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m., Friday
January 16, 2026
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Sac City, Iowa

Service will be live streamed on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FarberOttemanFuneralHomes
OFFICIATING
Reverend Cory Kroonblawd
VISITATION
9:00-10:00 a.m., Friday
January 16, 2026
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Swea Township Cemetery
Swea City, Iowa

Condolences

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:44 AM
“Oh my! Today is 20 January and I just heard the sad news of Ross's passing. We knew him quite well over the last 30 some years and spent a lot of time together hunting and fishing and doing anything outdoors. Ross had a very strong will about him. But we used to give him a lot of static about his dogs and not being able to shoot straight! My wife, Bev and I are deeply saddened by this news and wish both Denise and Sarah all of the good wishes that can be sent. ”
- Sodie Alderson
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:44 AM
“We are so sad to hear of Ross' passing. Our sympathies to Sarah, Denise, and family. Ross was a great friend and colleague for many years. So many fond and fun memories spent with him and Judy in Mt. Pleasant. A real gem of a guy!”
- Tim and Jill Taylor
Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:03 AM
“Chris and I have great memories of the time we called Sac City home. Ross was a great colleague for Chris. He was full of 'pearls of wisdom', many still spoken by us to this day. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you navigate this time of deep loss. ”
- Kate Myers
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:37 PM
“Ross Opsal was a truly decent guy who helped me to rebuild my life during a really dark chapter. He was always there for me and would loan me his truck to get my art pieces shipped, take me shooting, invite me over for dinner and so much else. One day I looked out the window and he was there mowing my lawn with his little John Deere mower. He just showed up and did it because he was one of that rare breed who still believed in the Golden Rule of being a good neighbor. I'll never forget how he and my dear friend Lizette installed five or six flagpoles at the local Freedom Rock in town. He always liked Lizette and got the biggest kick out of her. He was driving on an icy highway as we flipped over three times in his truck on a dark and snowy night that nearly killed us both. We got through it...barely. He was the guy who would loan you a c-note or give you the shirt off his back if you needed help. He was also the only one who told me that my wife Amber was a good woman and that I should marry her. He told me that if I stayed in my big old house alone much longer, that I would die there, lonely and forgotten and that I needed to move forward with my life. It was a hard slap in the face of reality but I'm glad that I was smart enough to listen. A few Sac City old-timers might know me as the sculptor of a bronze bust that still sits in the town square. Ross was the one who got me that job. Whenever he was having a bad day, he'd just shrug and smile and say "No matter what happens, I'm still the Mayor of Rossville!" Not many people will ever know of this humble, regular guy who lived a full life in a small town, but I'll never forget him. My sincere condolences to his wife Denise and his daughter Sarah. May he rest in peace.”
- Bryan Moore
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 9:10 AM
“We offer our condolences to Ross's family at this time of loss and sorrow. We were saddened to hear of his passing. I recall playing basketball with Ross and his cousins, Steve and Mark, along with other friends on early spring days on the driveway at Dr. Lindholm's house. Those days are good memories of the 1970s, and I also remember Ross as being very smart and a good leader. May many other good memories help to give you strength in the days ahead, and we pray that God will give you peace and comfort.”
- Phil Henriksen
Monday, January 12, 2026 at 9:11 AM
“I have known Ross for over 30 years. We would always laugh at how much he looked like my older brother when i showed him the pictures over the years. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. ”
- bob robinson
Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 10:14 PM
“We are so sorry to hear of Ross's passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.”
- Mike and Rhonda Vauble
Friday, January 9, 2026 at 8:47 PM
“Sending deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
- Roger & Jennifer Carlisle
Friday, January 9, 2026 at 9:05 AM
“Sorry to hear about Ross passing away. He will be missed in Church and as a friend. Sending Prayers and Hugs to the family. May God Comfort you this Journey. ”
- Rebecca Peters
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 9:36 PM
“My sympathies to you and your family.”
- Karen Cerra
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 9:36 PM
“I was very sorry and surprised to hear Ross is no longer with us. I enjoyed knowing him as a friend and fellow card player. it was always a fun time to get together and share a laugh or two with him. My condolences to Denise and Ross's gamily. He will be missed!”
- Steve Jacobsen
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 9:36 PM
“Denise and family, thinking about you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. ”
- Barb Rench
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