Melvin C. “Breezy” Opperman, age 82, a longtime resident of the Town of Richmond, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 1, 2016, following a three year battle with cancer.
Melvin was born on May 3, 1934, a son of the late Frank and Susan (Ainsworth) Opperman. On November 28, 1953, he was united in marriage to Carol Jean Beyer at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Melvin lived his entire life in the Town of Richmond where he farmed until the late 1970’s. While farming he also worked for 31 years in road maintenance for the Town of Richmond, and as a logger. After farming he went to work for the Shawano County Highway Department from which he retired at the age of 70.
He was a faithful member of St. Jakobi Lutheran Church. Melvin was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. He was a member of the Red River Sportsman Club. Melvin served on the Town of Richmond Board in several capacities. His favorite times were spent with family, friends, and his faithful companion, “DeeDee”, sitting around a campfire by the river.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Deb (Bill) Laehn, Randy (Chris) Opperman, Dennis (fiancé Laurie Eckert) Opperman, Jeff (special friend Kim Berg) Opperman, and Rick (Lori) Opperman; his grandchildren, B.J. (Nathan) Johnson, Justin Opperman, Brittney Opperman, Andy (Nikki) Opperman, Ashely Sireno, Jason Opperman, Natasha (Wayne) Anderson, Ethan Opperman; great-grandchildren, Ella Johnson, Rylan and Cohen Opperman, Bella and Olivia Sireno, Ryan Anderson, Kendra and Karter Westphal, and Gavin Opperman; step-grandson, Kenny (Jessica) Stepp; and step-great-grandchild, Cayden Stepp. He is further survived by his sisters, Cecile Engel, Lorraine Turman, Phyllis (Gerald) Lanberies, Bernice Lamberies, and Joyce (Vincent) Debauch. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur Opperman; his sister, Mavis Rocklewitz; sister-in-law, Nelda Opperman; brothers-in-law, Willis Lamberies, Howard Turman, Frank Engel, and Rocky Rocklewitz; and a step-great-grandchld, Lucas Stepp.
Funeral services for Melvin C. Opperman will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Jakobi Lutheran Church, Town of Richmond. Pastor Travis Kleinschmidt will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Jakobi Lutheran Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Jakobi Lutheran Church and on Saturday from 10:00 until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Jakobi Building Fund or the Red River Sportsman Club.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“Thanks to Dr. Zin Yao and the staff at FVHO for their care of Dad, ThedaCare at Home, all the Monday night guys, and especially John for all you did for and with Dad.”