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George Opperman Obituary
June 05, 1918 - Nov. 02, 2016
SOUTH BEND - George Opperman, age 98, of South Bend, IN passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the Creekside Village in Mishawaka, IN. He was born on June 5, 1918 in Spring Valley, NY to the late Hyman and Rose (Creeger) Opperman. He married Vera Love Yeager, who preceded him in death.
George was a master craftsmen of fine flutes and piccolos. He was also a musician and found great enjoyment playing for the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, where he played the flute and the piccolo. George proudly served his county in the United States Army-Air Force during WWII.
George is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Garrett Bradford of Antelope, California; his grandchildren Vera Opperman Bradford and Cassius Bradford; and his companion for many years, Dolores Wilson of South Bend. George was preceded in death by his sons Gerry Opperman and Carl Opperman; brothers Melvin Opperman and Kalmen Opperman.
Palmer Funeral Home~River Park is assisting the family. Burial will take place at a later date at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California
Memorial donations may be made to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, 127 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences to George's family made be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Opperman
2 Entries
December 5, 2016
I was so thankful my father was able to have me take flute lessons from Mr. Opperman. He taught and showed me things I never thought I could play. Got my first perfect score at Indiana state solo contest because of his instructions.
He was an awesome person and teacher.
Elizabeth Hruby Koerner
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Shelley Anderson
November 6, 2016
Has it really been 56 years since I used to ride my bike from South Bend's West side to Mr. Opperman's house for flute lessons? He was my first real flute instructor. I learned much from Mr. Opperman. He prepared me well for my degree in music education with a major in flute. He sold my parents one of his piccolos(one of his first, if not the first) which he later wanted to buy back, but my parents wouldn't sell it. They figured if he thought it was that good that he wanted to buy it back, they weren't going to let it go! It served me well through high school, college, and my stint with the South Bend Symphony, playing along with Mr. Opperman. I was always complimented on the superior tone of the piccolo, due to his expertise and not mine. It lives on in the hands of my great niece who plays it in her high school band. I have fond memories of Mr. Opperman.
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Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615
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