Robert "Bob" Eugene Opel

Sep 9, 1944 -

Mar 14, 2024

Peter's Creek, Alaska, resident Robert "Bob" Opel passed away, at the age of 79, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Providence Hospital following recent heart issues.

Friends and family are invited to his funeral service at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Evergreen Funeral Home in Eagle River, Alaska.

Bob was born on Sept. 9, 1944, in Meyersdale, Pa., and was the youngest and last surviving child of Simon Opel and Annie Ash.

Bob grew up in Garrett County, Md., and loved all outdoor activities, sports and especially football. He was a powerhouse addition to the Northern High School football team, playing the positions of right tackle and kicker. Always outgoing and friendly, he was voted the "Most Talkative" in his senior class yearbook. Together with his brother Simon, they ran the family dairy farm. In addition, Bob worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator for Delta Mining Company-Jones Brothers.

Having previously vacationed in Alaska, Bob left his home in Maryland and drove the Alcan in 1988, settling in Chugiak. In true pioneer spirit he helped his sister, Norma Markley and her husband Bud, build an addition to their existing log cabin. This became his home for the next 36 years.

Bob loved moose hunting, fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, as well as clam digging and halibut fishing in Homer and Whittier. He was always eager to hop on his four-wheeler, and during the Alaska winters he loved snowmachining. He was at his happiest planning his next fishing charter or reliving his previous hair-raising adventures. Bob was known for helping others with everything from home repairs, automotive issues, to winter roadside rescues. He was an experienced gardener delighting in the success of his crops and generously sharing with all. His crowning glory was his crop of corn - no easy feat considering the cool and short Alaska summers. He was most content visiting with friends and family and those who became family.

Bob is survived by a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins, residing in Alaska to Garrett County, and various points in between.

Flowers may be sent to the Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 907-279-5477. Donations may be made in Bob's memory at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, https://alaskawildlife.org/support/donate/.