Memorial

Merle Berdine Opperman, age 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Meth-Wick Community.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Garden of Reflection.

Merle was born March 3, 1923 in Strawberry Point, Iowa to Edgar William and Bessie Alice (Palmer) Opperman.  He was united in marriage to Earlene Frances Huston on November 5, 1948 in Barnesville, Georgia.

Merle worked as a machinery operator at Quaker Oats for over thirty-five years.  He was a member of the Local 110 in Cedar Rapids.  Merle was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed time spent at the family’s cabin up north.  He loved to listen to music, especially the band Chicago.  Merle enjoyed the occasional card game with his buddies, and had a lot of fun spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by five children: Gregory Opperman of Phoenix, Arizona; Kenton Opperman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Laura (Ed) Wootton of Omaha, Nebraska; John (Laurie) Opperman of Marion, Iowa; and Brett Opperman of Shellsburg, Iowa; ten grandchildren; eigh great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Eugene of Marion, Iowa; and Ivan of Monticello, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Earlene in 2010; and two brothers: Reginald and Burnell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merle’s name.