Henry M. Brodka, 67, longtime resident of Opelika, was called home to his Heavenly reward Thanksgiving morning after a long and valiant fight with cancer. Henry was born 26 September 1948 in Flensburg, Germany and emigrated to the U.S. in 1953 with his parents and siblings. The family settled in Opelika, initially working and living on a local dairy farm. Henry graduated from Opelika High School and honorably served his country in Viet Nam as a member of the U.S. Army. Upon completion of military service, Henry returned to Opelika and attended Southern Union. He fell in love with and married his future wife, Dorothy Sue (Bryant), in 1971, with whom he had and raised two children, Sean and Amanda. He was a dedicated employee of Star Construction Company for 20 years as a foreman, laying underground fiber optic cable throughout eastern Alabama. Henry loved to garden, fish, work on the house, and repair vehicles during his spare time. He rediscovered his Roman Catholic roots after struggling with personal health issues, and he spent the last decade as an active and passionate member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Opelika. Henry was heavily involved in his parish, regularly participating in the Cursillo Program, religious study groups, Mens Club, and the Lazarus and John 15 Ministries. He shared his renewed love of God and life with many and was rewarded with the love of many in return. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Wojciech and Rozalia Brodka. He is survived by Sue, his loving wife of 44 years; his son, Sean (Mandy); devoted daughter Amanda; two grandchildren, Amber and Autumn, three step grandchildren Tori, Kolby, and Gracey; an older sister, Kristina Paschal; a younger brother Teddy (Susie) Brodka, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation is in the parlor of Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Sunday, November 29, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. CST, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. CST. A funeral Mass will be held at the chapel of Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Monday, November 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., with Father Bruce Krause officiating. Mr. Brodka will be interred at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Phenix City, Alabama, at 12:30 p.m. CST, Monday, November 30, 2015. Visitation is in the parlor of Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Sunday, November 29, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. CST, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. CST.