Ernest (Ernie) Opremchak, 95, of Bettendorf, formerly of Rock Island, went to his Heavenly Home on February 25, 2016 at Trinity-Terrace Park, Bettendorf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4097 18th Street, Bettendorf, IA on Wednesday March, 2, 2016, with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass.  Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rock Island, IL or St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf, IA.  Burial will be at 12:00 PM on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Virden Cemetery, Virden, IL.

He was born on January 11, 1921, in Virden, IL, one of five sons and five daughter's born to August and Dolfina (Josephine Fabina) Opremchak.

Ernie attended schools in Virden, IL and in later years served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945.  During World War II he served aboard a LST-450 in the South Pacific participating in battles on Saipan and Aitu.

Ernie was employed at International Harvester (Farmall Works) in Rock Island, IL for 30 years retiring in 1977.  He received many awards and recognitions for his dedication and loyalty to the company.

He was an avid fisherman, especially for catfish and was known as "Catfish Ernie" spending many of his retirement years in his mobile trailer home on the Wapsi River by McCausland, IA.  Most of the fishing was via his boat and running the bank lines.  His family and friends enjoyed many good catfish dinners thanks to his generosity.

Ernie resided in his home in Rock Island for 24 years, retired to Palmer Hills Retirement in 2012 residing a short time before becoming ill.  He loved his Chicago Cubs and was a "Die Heart" Cub fan.  He was also a "jokester" and he had many jokes he enjoyed sharing with others.

He is survived by many caring and loving relatives, friends and family, especially his loving sister, Theresa Gillin, Bettendorf, IA; his loving and devoting brothers Robert (Bob) Opremchak, Auburn, IL, Richard Opremchak, Philadelphia, PA, his sister-in-law, Peggy Opremchak, Virden, IL, and many loving nieces and nephews, especially those locally who helped him over the years:  Chuck and Beverly; Jo and Gary; Bob and Laura, Mike, Patrick and Janice Gillin who served as his "care giver."  All were "near and dear" to his heart; his family extends a "Heartfelt Thank You" to all for your kindness, thoughts, prayers, and love given for and to him during his illness or helped in any way.

Ernie was "the rock" of his family and will be missed by many.  He had a loving, giving heart to his family, friends, strangers, or anyone who needed help.  Ernie had a strong belief for his Catholic faith, for Jesus and his Mother, Mary and her Rosary, and his Sacred Heart Family in Rock Island, and the late Fr. Jerry Logan for his kindness, caring visits, prayers and love.  Also, to St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf, IA and Our Lady of the River, LeClaire, IA and all the Eucharistic Ministers and parish nurses, especially Deb, Fr. Kevin Anstey, Fr. James Vrba, Jennifer, Sharon, Nancy, Cara, all who helped Ernie on his journey to his "Eternal home, a sincere "Thank You."

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; two brothers and his beloved companion, Sarah Searcy.