Dr. Kenneth L. Oppel

I was lucky enough to be a student of Ken's his first year of teaching. He had a great sense of humor and a great outlook on life! My thoughts go out to his family, friends and school community.

I was lucky enough to be a student of Ken's his first year of teaching. He had a great sense of humor and a great outlook on life! My thoughts go out to his family, friends and school community.

Our thoughts are with you during this time of grief. May your memories bring you some comfort and peace. God bless you and all of your family! I know Ken touched a lot of lives through his service to the school & community! He is loved by many!

I didnt grow up in the 'small town' like Ken did but I love being here and I know it is such a great place because of legacies such as Ken's. There is nothing like it and I am so thankful for it. I am thankful that my kids are experiencing growing up in this environment of love and community. And one more thing. This is for Madison, I lost my daddy 22 years ago. We had a special song too. You will carry that in your heart your whole life. Love to the whole Oppel family along with prayers for peace and comfort.

Chrissy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. He was just a wonderful person and teacher who always had a smile on his face every time I seen him. I thought a lot of him and will miss him dearly. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

Chrissy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. He was just a wonderful person and teacher who always had a smile on his face every time I seen him. I thought a lot of him and will miss him dearly. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

My love & prayers to Ken's family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Chrissy, Madison and Christopher. If you need anything give us a call. He will be missed.

Ken you will be greatly missed. Chrissy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Good Lord guide you through.

We are deeply saddened by your loss. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers. May God surround you with His strength and comforting hand.

MR Oppel was a great goverment teacher back in 1991. He taught me things that I still remember! Then years later I seen him in Allens and he remembered our class. He will be greatly missed and my prayers are with you Chrissy and the kids.Know that he is watching down over you.

We taught our two sons, and they thought alot of him. Scott & Charyl Joslin

Ken will be sadly missed.Chrissy you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Larry & Jenny spalding

mr. oppel was the best friend anyone could ask for in school as a teacher and a assistant superintendent

It is never easy to give up someone who means everything to us. Praying that you know he is pain free and will be waiting to see you all again when the Lord calls each of you to join him.May you always feel His love surround you and your entire family. We will always have wonderful memories of him and will miss him deeply.

Sorry for your loss,,,, he will be missed!

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.

Ken was our sons basketball coach a few years ago. He was a great coach to the kids. We have always thought a lot of him. He was a great person and will be dearly missed by all who has had the pleasure to know him.

Mr. Oppel had the honor to man study hall his first year teaching. And kids being kids had this toy commode that when you open it water would shoot out. Mr.Oppel was so mad and demanded to know what we had. When We told him it was a commode I don't know if he was going to laugh or if we should run. I think he got a kick out of it esp how he would raise the lid & peak in sideways so he didn't get shot. the years go by we will remember our favorite memories more and more. Little ways his children have will remind his family that Mr. Oppel does live on.
In the days to come rest and don't be too proud to say yes I need help. Chrissy you have a whole community ready to jump in to help you when you are ready.
You are in my thoughts,

Marly Thevenot Howard

Having had the distinct privilege of working around Ken for 12 years at NH, I asked myself, how can this man be EVERYWHERE at the same time. I've never seen anyone dedicate themselves more fervently to the students, his teams, the school corporation and the commnunity. We all should continue to emulate the example he set for us. The visual picture I see when I think of Ken is of him VELCROED to that school. If he couldn't physically get his arms around it, he sure did spiritually!! It is service like this that lives on long after the servant is no longer with us.

May the family and friends who served along side him be buoyed up in the future by the lasting legacy he left for us all. That remains very much ALIVE !!

Ken Oppel was my friend, true and loyal. We became friends over 20 years ago. At times, he was like another son to me. Through parenting,teaching, coaching, and all of our school experiences, we shared many cherished memories. The Athabaskan Indians in Canada have no word for "Good Bye" in their language, instead they say "Tlaa" which means later. So, I will not say good bye to my friend. I'll just say "see you later" Steve Hanger

I remember Growing up with him,They would be getting off the bus,running real fast to the house. He broke records, not many can say that,and now he once again has broken another one,He impacted the best for our children futures here @ N.H.S.I'm proud to say he was my relative,May Jesus Give you comfort,This family is strong,just like him,HE MAY OF LEFT THIS EARTH,Remember He's STILL IN YOU,As God promised we'll all meet again.God bless all.Tonya Davis Ramsey,In

Chrissy,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

So sad to hear about Mr. Oppel passing away. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He was always my favorite teacher by far! I loved going to his class which was a shock because I always hated government but he made it fun and made me become interested! :) He was everyones favorite teacher and he will be missed by many. So sorry for the loss.

Chrissy,
I am so sorry for the loss to you and your children. My thoughts are with you all.

He Liked everyone, and liked to please others. always said hello. Never heard anyone speak a negative word about Ken Oppel. That cannot be said about too many people. Prayers to his family.

Dear Chrissy, Madison, Christopher and Mama Bea (as Madison lovingly calls her),

Our hearts go out to you as you mourn the loss of your beloved, kind Husband, Father and Son. Doug and I always enjoyed seeing you all in Florida each year.

Doug & Dorothy
Port Hope, Ont. Canada

May God be with the Oppel family in time of their loss. Dr Oppel meant alot to many students, parents and teachers at North Harrison School system. He was loved by many and will greatly be missed. May you rest in peace Dr. Oppel.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris, Angela, Mackenzie, Otto Pate

It was my pleasure to get to know the Oppel family in the past couple of months. Ken truly showed the love he had for his family. I know he will be missed.

Mr. Oppel will always be remembered by everyone that knew him. His passing is a tradegy not only to his family but the entire community. He was able to do more in his short life than many will ever do. Not many teachers are loved by all their students. None of us will forget you.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Oppel family. Ken was a great man, teacher, and coach. He will be dearly missed.

We honor our family friendship and wish there were words to ease your sorrow.

Sorry for the great loss. Will miss seeing the family ride their bike or the walking past the house in the summer. he was always ready to give a smile and a hello even though he didnt know us. god bless the family.
George and Rita Duvall
Depauw

Mr. Oppel was Great at everything he did.
He will be missed bunches.
Prayers are with the Family and Friends.
Love always,
Hailey Marr

Ken was such a great man, husband, father, son, brother, and friend to so many. Chrissy, Madison, Christopher, Bea, Greg & the entire North Harrison School district are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss seeing your smiling face at the store!

My condolences go out to the Oppel family. Just know that he is at peace now, no more struggling and no more suffering. I will pray for God to give your family the strength to get through this difficult time.

I will never meet a better person in my life than Ken Oppel. May God be with his family and take care of Chrissy and their kids.

Our heart goes out to Ken's family. He was a great teacher and dedicated his life to the students at North Harrison.

Mark and Pam (Geswein) Weber

I was very shocked to read of the death of Ken in yesterday's paper. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Ken's entire family. May God's care and love be with you all.

Jim Babcock, former principal of Paoli Jr-Sr High School

We were so sorry to hear of your loss, you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.

Jason, Sabrina, Colton and Tanner Crawford

Our love and prayers for healing and peace go out not only to Chrissy, the children, Bea and the Oppel family, but also to the entire North Harrison School district staff, students and community. Ken's life impacted many and he will be greatly missed.

To the Oppel Family,

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Oppel Family. May God lead you all through this diffucult time. Ken was always my favorite and mentor in high school. As a coach, I learned more from him even though I never played high school ball for him. I remember him coming into my 5th/6th grade practices pushing us harder than our own coaches did because he cared about us and wanted us to suceed in everything we did. We as a North Harrison Community will always remember, love, and charish the moments we remember about Ken because he is one of the few that touch so many lives. Thank you Ken for all you did for so many of us!
-John and Alisha Shearer

I love you Ken.
Mom

My thoughts and prayers go out to Chrissy, her children, and the Oppel family. Ken was a great person, teacher, and coach. He will be missed.

So very blessed to have known Ken. He will be sadly missed. My prayers go out to his family.

Our Thoughts and prayers are with Chrissy and her children. Ken will be missed dearly! Mike, Katie Michael, Jacob and Nick Cundiff

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

There are many words to describe Ken, older brother as he lived down the road from us, GREAT teacher and GREAT friend. He cared for his students and I remember taking my first goverment test and a I made a "C"...he was like "Robertson, you can do better!" I was happy with my "C" but I did do better after that. Chrissy, Madison, Christopher, Gregg and Bea, you will always be in my thoughts and prays....

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oppel family. North Harrison Schools will never be the same without Mr Oppel. I am truly blessed for having Ken Oppel in my life and you will be greatly miss by all in the community but never forgotten. Kris, Jessica (Kilburn) and Gavin Franklin

My family sends our deepest regrets at the loss of Ken. He was Jared's favorite teacher and a lifelong friend. He will be greatly missed by all. We will continue to keep the rest of the family in our prayers

my thoughts and prayers go out to the family

This is a terrible tragedy for the entire community. My prayers are with your family.

I am sorry for your loss, Mr. Oppel was a great teacher, and I grew up with Chrissy , I will keep you and your children in my thoughts and prayers, again I am so Sorry.

To the Oppel family, you are in my thoughts and prayers...

Chrissy as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I am always here for you.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Some people just make a lasting impression on your life. No matter how long or how well you knew them. That to me is true of Ken Oppel.

There are not enough words to describe the life of Coach Oppel. He was a father, a husband, a friend, a coach and a great mentor to so many. Ken was the true meaning of North Harrison and what we stand for. He gave his life to his family, friends, and the entire community at NH. As my basketball coach in school I learned so things from him such as leadership, discipline, pride, and going the extra mile to strive to be my best. Through 3 years of playing for him he was like a second dad to me. He touched me in so many ways during struggles and hard times. He always brought out the best in me and was a great motivator and through him I found what it means to blead NH blue. I would not be the coach or disciplined father I am if it wasn't for this incredible man. My heart goes out to the Oppel family and as a community we will come together to celebrate the incredible life that Ken lead. He has touched us all in so many ways. We will never forget and his memory is the true meaning of North Harrison. We should all give what he gave to the school....LOVE

I am sorry for your loss. He always made me feel welcome as an opposing athlete and manager. God Bless your family in your time of grief.
Dan Stilger

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Oppel family. So honored to have known such a great person/teacher/friend! Prayers of comfort for Chrissy, Madison and Christopher.

Even as I stood in line tonight, hugged the family, mourned the life of Ken, I am still in disbelief. Love and prayers to you all~Bea, Gregg, Chrissy, Madison, and "Fristoker" (Christopher, but not to my Paisley).
Love,
Rodney, Meghan (Churchill), Paisley, and Beckett Crosier

Ken was a great teacher and person. He cared so much for his family and students. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The North Harrison Community will not be the same without Ken Oppel. There is no one more dedicate to North Harrison than Ken and I'm thankful for all he gave to our community. Hal and I have many great memories of Ken over the years. Our prayers and sympathy to the Oppel family.

Thinking of you Chrissy, Madison and Christopher

Ken I will miss seeing you bring Madison & Christopher to the store so that Christopher can ride on the mowers. I could see the love in your eyes that you had for your family. My heart breaks for the loss your family has endured. Know that your legacy will live on in your children. You will always be a great friend, man, father, son, brother, & husband. Your family will have the support of family & friends along with our prayers. Rest in peace dear friend!

Chrissy and family,
Betty just saw a note Dec. 30 It was our first inkling that Ken was even sick. What a shock and loss to the whole community. I always loved subbing for him, and his students were his life, after his family. His students loved him, and it was because of his desire to see them learn and succede, thru his strict discipline.
May God bless you in these difficult days ahead, as you cast all your cares on Him for He careth, our love and prayers,
Bruce and Betty Shearer

Ken was a great guy. We had a good time when we had the kids on the baseball team with Ken, Gregg, Doug, Kirk, gayle and Kennth Paulette Combs Elrod
Jasper , In

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family of our "Oppel" as we so lovingly called him. We will never forget you.

Craig & Jennifer(Scranton) McClanahan

Brothers. That's what Craig and I considered Ken and Gregg - neighbors across the street in Ramsey who helped to shape two boys into young men. Thank you for taking Craig and I under your wings. We shared many good memories together. Craig and I believe our childhood was second to none. And we are grateful to the Oppel's for life and friendship in Ramsey, IN. Chrissy, Christopher, Madison, Gregg and Bea, my heart goes out to you in the loss of Ken - your dear husband, dad, brother and son. I promise to pray for each of you. I pray you too will cling to the hope of what is promised in Scripture. Love you Ken.
Rev. 12:3-4
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He Was my favorite teacher.

Ken was always a good friend, great teacher and colleague to our family. When we think of Ken, we think North Harrison. He always believed in his school/community and worked hard to make it a better place for all. We will miss him. His family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as they make this difficult journey....Lisa, Daniel, Ian, Jessica & Justin

Our thoughts and prays to Kens family, he will be missed greatly. The Lowhorn family.

You may still the voice, but the memories will always be in our hearts.
Aunt Betty and family

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family, most especially Chrissy, Christopher, Madison and his mother Beatrice. Our community has lost a very special person. I will miss his big smile at North Harrison, but his legacy will live on in our hearts and minds and in his beautiful children. Rest in peace dear Ken..the battle is over. Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most sorrowful time.

Ken was a great guy and will be sadly missed by many people. I have known Ken for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Susie & Brian Dohoney, and Kaylin Bright.

Ken Oppel was a great teacher and inspiration to me and the reason that I teach high school Social Studies ...he touched so many lives and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.. Jody Johnson (Fouts)

So very sorry for the family's loss. While we share in celebrating Ken's homecoming, we send our sympathy to those who will miss him. Dean and Kelly (Torstrick) Gettelfinger

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ken and I went to kindergarten together have known for a long time.He will be missed.Thoughts and prayers go out to all his family. Karen Davis

Ken helped show me the ropes growing up from age 4 on, growing up across the street from one another. He was a great mentor that demonstrated to me how to treat people how to be a hard worker. Thanks Ken.

Ken was a great friend and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family. Sincerely Sam & Michele (Whittaker) Nicolas, Brittany & Brett Rudolph, Jay & Maddie Nicolas

so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Chrissy, You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept my deepest condolences. Sincerely,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Ken was my government teacher during my freshman year at NHHS. What a great spirit.