J. Denis Oppermann

J. Denis Oppermann, 80, of Wausau died on September 10, 2014, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital following surgery. Denis had numerous health problems over his lifetime and appreciated all the outstanding, compassionate care he received from all the people who cared for him. He was born March 29, 1934 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to J.L. (Jack) and Lillian (Giesler) Oppermann. Following graduation in 1953 from Wausau Senior High School in 1953 he attended Northland College playing football. He was proud to have served in the Navy on the U.S.S Forrestal. He worked as a driver for Sieg Supply and also as a security guard until his retirement. He married Jean Kwiatkowski on May 27, 1961 at St Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 53 years, and their three children: John Oppermann of Wausau, Michael (Stacey) Oppermann of Cedarburg, WI and Deanne Oppermann who is married to Brian Kloeppel of Franklin, NC. Survived also by three grandchildren: Lexi and Brock Kloeppel and Cassidy Oppermann. He is survived by mother-in-law, Helen Kwiatkowski, sister and brother-in-laws: Lela Denis, Laverne Denis, Phyllis Denis Moore, John and Janice Kwiatkowski, Charles and Frances Kwiatkowski, Louis and Janie Kwiatkowski, Nancy Vera, Alice (Terry) Klegin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, three brothers: Hal Denis, Sidney Denis and Kenneth Denis, father-in-law Louis Kwiatkowski and brother-in-law Ernest Vera. He was an avid sports fan for the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and all the local high school sports teams. He had been active coaching basketball and flag football for the YMCA, and basketball for St. James and St. Frances Cabrini Grade School. While coaching Cabrini girls basketball they had 100 victories. He was the YMCA Volunteer Leader of the Year 1975-1976. Also, he played in the slow pitch and church dartball leagues for many years. Yes, he was a sport fanatic! The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 Second St., Wausau. Rev. David Bruener will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. Friends may call on Sunday from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church of the Resurrection are requested. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com