Obituary for Donald H Opper
Donald H. Opper, 91, died on Sunday March 10, at his home in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on April 3, 1927 in Riverside, Illinois, the son of Harold and Marietta (Malloy) Opper.
He graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School and postponed college to serve 2 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving, he continued his education and earned a bachelor degree from Western Michigan University. His interest in design, led Don to Kendall College of Art and Design where he earned his master degree. Don headed Design and Engineering for Kroehler Mfg. in Naperville, Illinois and later for Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, Iowa.
Don married Catherine (Wilson) Opper on December 26, 1959 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Grange, Illinois. Don cherished every moment spent with his four children and later, his grandchildren. He marked time through milestones celebrated with his family, including birthdays, weddings, graduations and holidays. Although his ultimate goal to be at a grandchild’s wedding will not be realized, Don created many lasting memories for his family.
He loved to garden and could be found in his yard and at any one of his children’s homes, planting, pruning, watering and always, advising.
Don is survived by his wife Catherine Wilson Opper; four children: Thomas Opper, of Dubuque, IA; Margaret “Peggy” (Mark) Gulick, of Spirit Lake, IA; Susan (Mark) Pasquella, of Lake Forest, IL; Paul Opper, of Madison, WI. Grandchildren include Hannah, Maddie, Catherine, and Sarah Gulick; Jack, Michael, and Catherine Pasquella and Lucas Opper. His family will miss him dearly.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Harold Opper and Marietta Cossitt; stepfather Frederick (Fritz) Cossitt, infant son Michael Lawrence and sadly, most recently, his daughter-in-law Stephanie A. Opper.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and care of Don.
Visitation will be at St. Raphael’s Cathedral on March 16, 2019 from 12:15-1:30pm with Mass from 1:30-2:30pm.
He graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School and postponed college to serve 2 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving, he continued his education and earned a bachelor degree from Western Michigan University. His interest in design, led Don to Kendall College of Art and Design where he earned his master degree. Don headed Design and Engineering for Kroehler Mfg. in Naperville, Illinois and later for Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, Iowa.
Don married Catherine (Wilson) Opper on December 26, 1959 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Grange, Illinois. Don cherished every moment spent with his four children and later, his grandchildren. He marked time through milestones celebrated with his family, including birthdays, weddings, graduations and holidays. Although his ultimate goal to be at a grandchild’s wedding will not be realized, Don created many lasting memories for his family.
He loved to garden and could be found in his yard and at any one of his children’s homes, planting, pruning, watering and always, advising.
Don is survived by his wife Catherine Wilson Opper; four children: Thomas Opper, of Dubuque, IA; Margaret “Peggy” (Mark) Gulick, of Spirit Lake, IA; Susan (Mark) Pasquella, of Lake Forest, IL; Paul Opper, of Madison, WI. Grandchildren include Hannah, Maddie, Catherine, and Sarah Gulick; Jack, Michael, and Catherine Pasquella and Lucas Opper. His family will miss him dearly.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Harold Opper and Marietta Cossitt; stepfather Frederick (Fritz) Cossitt, infant son Michael Lawrence and sadly, most recently, his daughter-in-law Stephanie A. Opper.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and care of Don.
Visitation will be at St. Raphael’s Cathedral on March 16, 2019 from 12:15-1:30pm with Mass from 1:30-2:30pm.