WAUKESHA, WI, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, F CO, 2D BN, 24TH MAR, (RCT-1, I MEF FWD), 4TH MAR DIV, MILWAUKE, WI AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ 04/14/2008
Marine Lance Corporal Dean Opicka, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was a high school student that everyone remembers: a three-sport athlete, with multiple baseball records; senior class representative, and an outstanding GPA.
He even performed in school musicals. Well-liked by students and teachers alike, he was always looking to be more involved in activities.
Dean was raised on a family dairy farm in Casco, Wisconsin, he was the third of four sons. Dean never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and always sent out cards to honor others on their special days. His goofy grinned was much loved by all.
Dean graduated from Carroll College in 2002-a double psychology and history major. He continued to play baseball throughout college. Always looking to give back and serve others, he completed his teaching certification at Carroll in 2005 and became a teacher at a Milwaukee-area charter school and worked with agencies assisting those with disabilities before being deployed to Iraq.
His family remembers him ever so fondly-quirky, dependable, and a true-friend. His brother, Darren, laughed at Dean for being an ‘organized packrat’ even being so meticulous as sending himself letters from Iraq with receipts so he could organize them later!
Lance Corporal Opicka was engaged to be married in June 2009 to the love of his life. They met while they were involved in the Association for the Rights of Citizens with Handicaps. Through this group, they took disabled adults on field trips-include Dean’s love, baseball games.