Kathleen E. Opalinski

Kathleen Elizabeth Opalinski was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 16 th , 1938, to Victor and Elsie Lyons. Kathy was the eldest of 4, having 3 younger brothers. She passed away peacefully at her home in Orlando, Florida on January 19, 2024, at the age of 85. Kathy graduated from Proviso West High School in Melrose Park, IL after which she attended beauty school and began working as a hair stylist. She married Sam J. Scurto in 1959, they had 5 boys. After divorcing in 1975, she began Nursing School and became reacquainted with the love of her life, Richard Opalinski. They married in 1977 and became a blended family to include 8 boys and 1 girl. They moved to Hancock, WI in 1985. Following the premature death of her beloved Richard in 1994, she wanted to create a new chapter in her life by bringing joy and laughter to others. She went to Clown School which she genuinely loved. Kathy was very active in bringing her “clowning skills” to church and civic events, elderly care facilities and private parties. This is where she found her true self as she loved making people happy. Kathy wanted her legacy to be remembered as a person who desired to lift other people up, bringing joy to the world around her. Kathy was also a talented seamstress making clothes and costumes for her family and anyone who needed her sewing skills. Kathy enjoyed spending her summers at her home in Hancock, Wisconsin, and her winters at her 2nd home in Orlando, Florida.

Kathy is survived by her 5 sons, Steven J. Scurto (Maureen Hogan) of Carol Stream, IL, Anthony J. Scurto (Deborah) of Hancock, WI, Raymond R. Scurto (Victoria) of Orlando, FL, Sam Scurto (Yolanda) of Barrington Hills, IL, and Douglas V. Scurto (Mary) of Arkdale, WI. Her 4 stepchildren, Lynn Opalinski of California, Richard Opalinski, Jr. of Wisconsin, Tony Opalinski of Nevada, and Joey Opalinski of Indiana. She is survived by many grandchildren and step grandchildren, great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, her brother Richard Lyons (Diane) and several nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Opalinski, her parents, Victor and Elsie Lyons and brothers, Jerry & Michael Lyons.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 1st , 2024, 11am to 4pm at the Town of Monroe, Town Hall, 981 Cty Rd Z, Arkdale, WI 54613.

All Memorials will be directed to: Aspirus Cancer Care – Wisconsin Rapids, 410 Dewey St, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495.