Floyd R. Opperman of Winneconne, age 85, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center with family by his side. He was born in Winneconne on March 28, 1932, the son of Anton R. and Emma (Scharf) Opperman. Floyd graduated from Winneconne High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Ruchamkin from 1951-1955. He was on the ship when the S.S. Washington collided into the U.S.S. Ruchamkin. Floyd married his high school sweetheart, Betty Hunt, on December 1, 1951, in Winneconne at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, and was a life-long member. They enjoyed over 65 years of marriage together. Floyd worked at the White House Condensery in Winneconne as a Boilerman, Lenox Candle Company in Oshkosh as an Electrician, and Morgan Products in Oshkosh as a Maintenance Electrician. Floyd was an avid sportsman who enjoyed deer, turkey, and bear hunting. He had many successful fishing adventures including those on the Wolf River and Buck Lake. Floyd was an auxiliary police member for the Village of Winneconne for 26 years. Floyd was a lifetime member of the Giles-Luce American Legion Post 364 and founding member of the Upper Lakes Fishing Club where he served as their long-time president. He was instrumental in building the Upper Lakes Fishing Club clubhouse and promoted and organized the kid's fisheree for numerous years. Floyd enjoyed many road trips with his good friend, Dave Brennand. Floyd cherished spending time with Betty at their summer home near Redgranite. He had many happy times at "The Land" with his family.
Floyd is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty. He was blessed with four children, Connie (Mark) Henn, of Redgranite, WI; Nancy (Tom) Jirschele, of Plover, WI; Brenda (John) Bartow, of Winneconne, WI; and Keith (Pam) Opperman of Manitowoc, WI. Floyd is further survived by six grandchildren whom he adored, Nathan (Kimberly) Eid, of Menasha, WI; Rebecca (David) Landenberger, of Escanaba, MI; Megan (Nick) Morison, of Minneapolis, MN; Alanna Jirschele, of Plover, WI; Jacob Opperman, of Manitowoc, WI; and Adam Opperman of Manitowoc, WI; as well as five darling great-grandsons, Ryan, Christian, and Brody Eid; Howard and Franklin Landenberger. Floyd is also survived by his sister, Doraine Hale, of Winneconne; his sister-in-law, Shirley Opperman, of Hobe Sound, FL; a special niece and nephew, Cindy and Kirk Gruetzmacher and their sons, Kevin and Steven; along with many other nieces and nephews. Floyd appreciated the unending selfless support from his nephew, Kirk, who always offered a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his in-laws, Arthur and Marie Johnson; brothers, Gordon Opperman, Anton F. Opperman; brother-in-law, Glenn Hale; and sisters-in-law, Olga Opperman and Betty Jane Opperman.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Thursday, May 25 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 8 S. Fourth St. Winneconne, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mark Albrecht will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Winneconne Cemetery.
Floyd's family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. Karen Gremminger and Affinity Visiting Nurses, especially Jami, Patty and Dawn.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.