JAMES F. OPPERMAN, age 84
Of New Bremen, died on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 6:00 A.M. at his home in New Bremen. He was born on November 25, 1938 in New Bremen, the son of Charles L. and Kathryn R (Vornholt) Opperman. On September 17, 1960, he married Carol A. Hemmelgarn who survives in New Bremen. Also surviving are their children: Pam and Jay Bergman of Celina, Beth and Mike Wente of Minster, Steve Opperman of Pittsburgh, PA, Sandy and Craig Meyer of New Bremen, Jenny and Michael Allen of New Knoxville, and Josh and Amy Opperman of New Bremen. Other survivors include his grandchildren: Natalie (Luke dec.) Cathcart, Marcus (Amy) Wente, Courtney (Jonathan) Gilberg, Danielle (Greg) Welling, Mitch (Brooke) Bergman, Haley (Josh) Scott, Caleb (Katie) Allen, Jake Allen, Ryan (Kalyn) Allen, Logan Opperman, Megan Opperman and Taylor Opperman, along with eleven great grandchildren and two on the way. Jim is also survived by his in laws: Marlene and Larry Prenger of Minster, Ron and Diane Hemmelgarn of Cincinnati and Dennis Hemmelgarn of Minster. He was proceeded in death by his sister Ruth Ann Opperman, brother and sisters in-law Paul and Delores Opperman and Babe Hemmelgarn and parents in law Ben and Alvina Hemmelgarn.
Jim had attended Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen, and would also “hold church” on Saturday afternoons around the kitchen table with family and friends, attempting to solve many of the world’s problems. He was a 1957 graduate of New Bremen High School where he set the school record of All Time Leading Scorer (1553 points) of the basketball program, a record still held to this day. He worked for 43 years as a grinder at the former STAMCO in New Bremen. After his retirement, he filled up most of his time by fishing, but he also enjoyed gardening. He was a loving and supportive grandfather who enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Jim was a people person, and loved gathering his family and friends to share his recent catch or to enjoy his barbeque chicken.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen with Pastor Trent Fledderjohann officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Faith Alliance Church from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M., and again on Friday, at the church, from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim be made to New Bremen Emergency Squad or to the New Bremen Athletic Boosters. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the family, and online condolences and memories can be left on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.