William "Bill" Opperman

William Robert, son of Emil and Mabel (Dietz) Opperman, was born March 6, 1932, at Manning General Hospital in Manning, Iowa. He grew up on a farm ¾ of mile northwest of town, attending country school at Ewoldt #3 and then Manning High School, graduating in 1949. During high school he played football and was a member of the FFA. He then worked on the home farm for a year. In January of 1951, Bill enrolled at Iowa State University.
On September 7, 1952, Bill was united in marriage with Phyllis Musfeldt at the First Presbyterian Church in Manning. Bill and Phyllis first lived in Ames where Bill finished his degree in Farm Operations at Iowa State. In 1954, Bill was inducted into the U.S. Army and served at Fairchild AFB at Spokane, Washington until being honorably discharged in 1956. They then returned to Iowa where they raised their five children, farming north of Manning for the next 34 years. The couple moved into Manning in 1992, after which he worked parttime for Rasmussen Lumber and Aspinwall Coop. Phyllis passed away on March 2, 2022.
Throughout the years, Bill was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon and elder. He was also a member of Manual Lodge #450 and the Beef Producers. He served on the board of the Federal Land Bank, Manning School Board, and was active in the American Legion as Commander, Adjutant, and member of the ceremonial team.
On Sunday, January 15, 2023, Bill passed away at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, attaining the age of 90 years, 10 months and 9 days.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Phyllis Opperman; son-in-law Ronald Determan; grandson Matthew Determan; two brothers George Opperman and Ivan (Elizabeth) Opperman; and two brothers-in-law Merlin (Delone) Musfeldt and Louis Musfeldt Jr.
Bill is survived by five children: Debra Determan of San Diego, California; Janis Opperman of Omaha, Nebraska; Robert Opperman and wife Kathleen of Rockford, Illinois; Beth Kastorff and husband Steven of Geneseo, Illinois; Paul Opperman and wife Paula Connors of Dubuque; six grandchildren: Brian Determan, Laura Scott, Andrea Joseph, Paul Kastorff, Justin Opperman and Megan Schafer; and nine great-grandchildren; Adalynn, Leighton, Willah, Justus, Evers, Haddon, Scarlett, Anthony and Madisyn; a sister Jane (Dee) Kimberly of Boca Raton, Florida; a sister-in-law May Opperman of Beloit, Wisconsin; other relatives and friends. Memorials may be directed to the Manning Public Library, 123 Main Street, Manning, Iowa 51455
In Loving Memory Of William "Bill" Opperman
Funeral Service on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Manning, Iowa
Ministry for the Funeral
Pastor Anna Small, Officiating
Marty Orr, Reader
Pastor Darrel Mohler, Message
Pastor Jonathan Conner, Graveside Service
Pastor Vickie Steffes, Meal Blessing
Congregational Hymns "Here I Am, Lord" "Morning Has Broken" Connie Siepker, Organist
Casket Bearers ~ Bill's Grandchildren Brian Determan, Laura Scott, Andrea Joseph, Paul Kastorff, Justin Opperman, Megan Schafer, Jason Opperman and Scott Opperman
Interment at the Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa
Military Honors by U.S. Army Honor Guard, American Legion Post 22 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517