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Joel A. Oppenheimer
Joel A. Oppenheimer
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Joel Oppenheimer Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debra Lohse
November 13, 2009
Dear Sandy & Family,
I just heard the news of Joel's passing and feel shock and sadness. It was a joy and priviledge being his teacher for the past four summers. I find the titles of "teacher" and "student" to be interchangable as I learned so much from Joel. I will always remember his beautiful smile and affectionate ways. He lived a life surrounded by love.
Stacey Dinner-Levin
November 5, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry, Ben, and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Joel. Our thoughts, and prayers go out to you.
We are holding you in our hearts.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Stacey and Michael Levin
Esther Schvan
November 4, 2009
My nephew Joel is gone!
A pure soul through and through, a wise and smart person, quick assessor of who is who, he chose love and fled conflict. With a mischievous sense of humour and a wicked grin, he was above and beyond us all.
Looking close into our souls, he saw everything.
Sandi, Larry and Ben - I do not have the right words.
I am so sorry!
He will be missed by his cousin Zoe and me, his aunt born on the same day.
November 4, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry and Ben,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all on your loss. We were shocked to read of Joel's passing. We will always remember him fondly. May his memory be a blessing and a comfort to you.
Julie, Hugh, Hilary and Aaron Kirsch
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Zoe Schvan
November 3, 2009
Having Joel as a cousin was truly a gift.
I am still in complete shock and don't want to believe what happened
I will never forget his loving face and adorable smile. Our relationship was truly special and we always seemed to understand each other without words. Getting hugs from him all the time, and being able to play with him was really an honour. I will always love and miss him!
I'm sure he is up in heaven now with our grandfather, talking up a storm
Zoe
Kathy Reason
November 3, 2009
Dear Sandy and Larry,
I loved working with Joel in music therapy when he was a young boy attending St. David's. His interactions with me were kind, sincere, and fun. His beautiful eyes invited me into his world and he taught things to me just as I taught things to him. It sounds like he touched many others in his life. I'm thinking of you, Sandy, Larry and Ben.
Tanja Brandt
November 3, 2009
Dear Sandy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Lavette Jones-Slaughter
November 3, 2009
I feel your pain because Joel was and still a good boy when i was in 2nd grade i was happy i felt like Joel was like a brother a big brother to me i loved him like a brother every time i saw him rocking in his chair i would have a smile on my face and at the end of the day i would want to be picked to go see Joel,Mohammed,and the other kid that was there i forgot the kid but Joel had put happiness in my heart i was so sad heart broken when Ms. Graves told me it was a kid at Jefferson school I was like wait Jefferson what do you mean but when she said his name thats when i was hurt the most I felt like crying I was shaking and just wanted to go home and tell my mom so i feel your pain and i'm so sorry what happened i miss Joel to but not as bad as you do so I say R.I.P and god bless him and you and i'll prey for not just me but you too just to try to get the sadness over with just like when me great great grandmother died.
Lavette Jones-Slaughter
November 3, 2009
I feel your pain because Joel was and still a good boy when i was in 2nd grade i was happy i felt like Joel was like a brother a big brother to me i loved him like a brother every time i saw him rocking in his chair i would have a smile on my face and at the end of the day i would want to be picked to go see Joel,Mohammed,and the other kid that was there i forgot the kid but Joel had put happiness in my heart i was so sad heart broken when Ms. Graves told me it was a kid at Jefferson school I was like wait Jefferson what do you mean but when she said his name thats when i was hurt the most I felt like crying I was shaking and just wanted to go home and tell my mom so i feel your pain and i'm so sorry what happened i miss Joel to but not as bad as you do so I say R.I.P and god bless him and you and i'll pray for not just me but you too just to try to get the sadness over with just like when me great great grandmother died.
November 3, 2009
Dear Sandy.....It was so hard to see you in tears :(
You and and your family are in my prayers!! Words can't express how bad I am feeling for you right now....you are such a wonderful mother, co-worker, friend.....God be with you through all your pain....
Jackie Burney
Inge Blok
November 3, 2009
I was a counsellor at Camp Eden Wood and it was great meeting Joel last summer. Joel always had a smile on his face and he was such a nice and smart boy. His family will be in my prayers.
Maggie Venell
November 2, 2009
I have had the wonderful opportunity to be wih Joel for the last two summers at Camp Eden Wood. He had a wonderful soul and beautiful smile! He will be deeply missed. I wish your family peace during this time.
Sandi Likely
November 2, 2009
Dear Sandy and Family,
Joel's unconditional love and kind spirit are what I remember. I smile when I think of him in the 4th grade opera. :o) My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
~Sandi Likely, teacher at Ramsey School
November 2, 2009
I am so sorry to hear if your loss. I was one of Joel's counselor at Camp Eden Wood this summer and I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Samantha Johns
Tracy Guaman
November 2, 2009
I never had the pleasure of meeting Joel, but I do remember Ben from the Social Skills class at Groves. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ben and to the entire family at this time.
Tracy (Therneau) Guaman
Groves Academy
Katie Plunkett
November 2, 2009
Sandy and Family,
I so remember the fun of working with you and Joel in your home when he was a preschooler. He was a dear and you were such a strong advocate for him. Please know my heart goes out to you all.
Janet Hannaford
November 2, 2009
Dear Sandy & Larry,
I've enjoyed being Joel's OT at Jefferson over the years. I am so sorry that he's suddenly gone and want you to know that I share in your loss. Joel was always quick to smile and greet. He was such a gentle fun loving soul. Thinking of you now and in the days ahead.
November 2, 2009
Dear Sandy, I so enjoyed our talks about the magnificent boys in our lives. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Siobhan DiZio, Reference Librarian
Hamline University
November 2, 2009
Joel was a pleasure to have at camp this past summer. He will be missed in the summers ahead.
~Kayla Anason (Friendship Ventures)
Tim and Melissa Stoddart
November 2, 2009
Sandy and larry
So sorry to hear the news of Joels passing. As you know we are the proud parents of Ian who is 15 and autistic. We know more than most what challenges and joys of having a son with autism can be on a day to day basis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tim and Melissa Stoddart
Susan Saly
November 2, 2009
We offer our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
We will miss Joel. He taught us all so much.
Susan Saly, Jefferson 4th grade teacher, and Room 334
Rita Onofre
November 1, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry and Ben,
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with your family. Joel will be greatly missed.
Sandra Pierce
November 1, 2009
Sandy and family,
I don't know where to start, my heart is broken. We will miss "our" Joel at Jefferson. With his cautious but sincere "Hi" when he visited us in the office, and the profound wisdom in his beautiful eyes, we enjoyed his daily stops in the office. You are all in my heart and prayers. I wish you peace.
Jean Brown
November 1, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry and Ben,
I am unbelievably saddened to hear of your loss. I remember well his impish grin and laughing brown eyes. I am forever enriched by my time spent with Joel. He taught me much.
November 1, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss.
Signe Pearson
November 1, 2009
Dear Ben and family,
I will always remember Joel's curiosity and interest in what we were doing and how he wanted to be with us. It makes me sad to hear he is gone.
Your friend,
Liz Biondo
November 1, 2009
Sandy, Larry and Ben,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your devastating loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Joel will be missed.
Shelley Miner
November 1, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry and Ben,
Joel gave everyone so much joy at Jefferson over the years, slipping in and out of our days with his sweet smile and song and those beautiful eyes. Joel will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maiska Woolley
November 1, 2009
Dear Family,
Joel is a very special, sweet spirit and he will always be remembered as such. Just a week ago he entered the school building laughing and dancing. He came from behind, crabbed me and planted a kiss on my right cheek.
May you find peace in sweet memories knowing that you will meet again.
Diane Whipkey
November 1, 2009
Our Dear Joel...my heart breaks. I will surly miss his bouncing personality. He will be missed dearly by many including our Special Olympic's team..Jefferson Eagles. Where he participated with enthusiasum.
To his wonderful Parents and Brother..I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to all of you in this difficult time. If there is anything I can do, Please ask.
Most Sincerely, Diane Whipkey
Jefferson Community School
Kathleen Rogers
November 1, 2009
Joel was a wonderful young guy. My heart felt condolences to family and loved ones. Kathy Rogers
Chris Gennaula
November 1, 2009
Dear Sandy, Larry, and Ben,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and all your family.
--Wendy and Chris, parents of Tony and Tommy from the Bryn Mawr parent sessions all those years ago.
November 1, 2009
Dear Larry, Ann and Sandy,
I am so sorry to hear and read of your loss of Joel. I know that Dad and Jack will watch over him in heaven.
Jeanne and Betty Mahaffey
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