Benefit Will Remember Mark Opgenorth

Friends will gather to remember a lover of the outdoors at the Ladder House in Sturgeon Bay March 21. A fundraiser in memory of Mark Opgenorth has been organized to support the renovation of the Strawberry Creek spawn-run fish facility in Kewaunee. The event will run from 1 – 4 pm.

Opgenorth was a 35-year employee for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who died while checking on spawn run fish at the facility in October of 2007.

When Opgenorth died, the official cause was ruled as a drowning, but his son said the autopsy showed significant signs of a minor heart attack.

Following his death, DNR staff heard from many people who knew Opgenorth and wanted to find a way to help remember him and his work. After a lot of thought, it was decided to start a gift account, the Strawberry Creek Renovation Project, where all contributions are being deposited.

The March 21 event will feature hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffles, and information on the facility. Among the prizes offered are six fishing trips from area charter fishing operations.

“We’ve really been blessed with some great prize donations,” said Kevin Naze, who knew Opgenorth and is helping organize the benefit. “It’s really great to see people coming form all over the state and see them respond in his memory.”