Geraldine Ruth Agnes (Peterson) Oppedesan, age 80 of Villa Pines Living Center, Friendship WI entered eternal life on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.
She was born Feb. 5, 1931, in Chicago IL to Stanley and Barbara (Butkus) Andrick. She was raised by her mother and stepfather William Bill Peterson.
Jerry attended Adams-Friendship High School graduating in 1949. She was very active in high school by singing in the choir, performing in plays, being a cheerleader, and a twirler for the band.
After graduation Jerry worked in Wisconsin Dells, then traveled to Milwaukee and worked for Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company.
Jerry married the love of her life John Jack Oppedesan in Adams WI on April 7, 1951. To this union they were blessed with 3 children, Carmen, Daniel, and Janis.
Jerry worked for the Telephone Co. in Adams and was a waitress at the Y Club in Friendship for many years. She also worked as a cook for the Adams-Friendship School district for 31 years. She so enjoyed serving the students at the Adams Grade School and always encouraged them to try just a little. In her earlier years she enjoyed knitting, sewing, bowling, golfing, playing bingo and cards, and loved taking the bus to the casinos.
When they moved to Jacks dream home on Friendship Lake, you could always find her planting flowers or floating in the lake with the grandchildren. She also enjoyed another love of her life, Katy, their dachshund, who traveled with them everywhere.
Upon her retirement she and Jack wintered in Peoria AZ, Jerry was known as the sunshine lady in the park where they lived. While in AZ she liked to play shuffleboard, dominoes, swimming, and going to the thrift stores. If the flag was up in the yard it was time for happy hour.
After 13 years of wintering in AZ they returned to Friendship as her health started to decline. She had been a resident at Villa Pines Living Center for the past 5 years. At Villa she would play kings corner, pokeno, and jackpot but her favorite game was double bingo. Jerrys apartment as she called it was always open for residents, workers, and friends to come in, visit, and take a load off. She so loved having company, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jerry had a heart of gold and was always willing to give. Wherever she lived she always made people feel welcomed. She had a contagious laugh and a smile that would light up any room.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Adams WI; and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 6279, Adams, WI.
A memorial service will be held for both Jerry and Jack at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 18th, 2011 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams WI. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband John (Jack) Oppedesan (Jan. 6, 2010); son-in-law, John Tipton; and brother-in-law, John Baumel.
Survivors include her daughter, Carmen Tipton of Prescott AZ; son, Daniel (Jessie) Oppedesan of Friendship, WI; daughter, Janis (Kent) Massen of Adams, WI; grandchildren: Tamara Tipton (fiancé Andrew Reed)of Chino Valley, AZ; Jennie (Kevin) Moore of Hudson, WI; Jeffrey (Karalyn) Massen of Berlin, WI; Matthew Tipton of Prescott, AZ; Joshua (Lisa) Tipton of Phoenix, AZ; Jered (Lisa) Massen of Friendship, WI; great-grandchildren: Tiffany Tipton and Salim Jabour of Chino Valley, AZ; Cameron Tipton of Phoenix, AZ; Magnus, Mia, and Merrik Moore of Hudson, WI; Henry Massen of Berlin, WI; sister-in-law: Shirley Baumel of Sparta, WI; nephews: Stan (Joan) Baumel of Burlington, WI and Larry Baumel of Sparta, WI.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Villa Pines Living Center for their excellent care, compassion, and love that Mom had received while she was a resident.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Church and Adams County Humane Society.
Mom, we love you and will miss you. You will always be with us. The flag is up! Enjoy, you deserve it!
Dear Jack and family, Please accept my families deepest sympothy in the loss of Gerri. I know mom would want me to let you know our prayers are with you
Family of Jerry,
So sorry to hear of her passing and sorry I missed her memorial. She was a wonderful woman and her legacy lives on in all of you. Wishing you peace.
Janis and family, We are so sorry to hear about your mom. I know that you will hold her close in your heart everyday. May God help you to find peace, and joy in the memories you will have forever.
What a neat obit for your mom.We all have such great memories of both your mom and dad. I just hope he doesn’t welcome her with one of those "looks"! Thoughts and prayers are with you. LOVE YOU.
Dear Janis, Carmen and Dan,
We remember your parents with such fondness and never will forget watching the baseball games on your dad’s TV in the front yard with the whole neighborhood….such fun. The trip to Biloxi, Saturday nights dancing to Jack Opie band, New Year’s Eve at the Y-Club….those were great times. There will always be a special place in our hearts for the Opie family. We pray you will be comforted my many happy memories in the days ahead.
Jerry was the first resident I met at villa. She was so easy to get to know. She was fun and funny. Sunshine seemed to follow her. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will be deeply missed. I am so glad to have met her along the way.
She indeed had a heart of gold! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My Mom’s best friend is with her now. I know it is hard but she will always be with you……..I still see my Mom’s smile,she is just in me, they both live on in all of us. Love & prayers,Mariane
Carmen,Dan&Janis,Your mother was such a dear lady and we will miss her very much.Janis it has been good getting to know you too.
Janis, Carmen and Dan: We were saddened to hear of your mom’s passing, but know she is in a good place – and back with the love of her life!! She was a joy to all of us who knew her and we won’t soon forget all those great memories. May all your memories bring you joy in the days and years to come. Our prayers are with you and your families.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Karen and Don Rathke
(Hartwig)
Carmen, Dan, Janis, and Families,
Our hearts go out to you all in the loss of Jerry. Your parents were such a joy to us as neighbors, friends, & fellow members of Immanuel. Jerry was always laughing and sharing herself with so many.
We so want to be in Adams tomorrow to honor two wonderful people-your parents.Larry(though retired) has a funeral here tomorrow afternoon and I have a morning clinic appointment. Our hearts and love are with you all. Blessings.
Pastor Larry & Ev
My thoughts are with you and your family Janis! Your mom was my favorite part about working at Villa. She always put me in a good mood and if I needed a "quick get away" her room was the first place I went. She will be greatly missed!!
What a HOOT !! Thinkiing of Jerry just makes me smile. Being with Jack and Jerry made me feel like I was "home". Our Arizona winters together always ended too soon as they traveled back to their much loved Wisconsin home and children and grandchildren. I am forever grateful for the gift they gave me…my precious friend Carmen.
Janis So sorry to hear about your Mom. May she rest in peace!
Janis Jennie and Family , So sorry to hear about your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless we love you, The Kettleson’s
Janis and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful lady and a joy to see everyday. She will be truly missed. May god bless you all through this difficult time.
To the Oppedeson family, I send my sincere condolences for the loss of Gerry. She was always a very nice lady. I can always remember my mom (Betty Larson) talking about "Jack and Gerry" and about playing bingo with her. Hold each other close and share all your wonderful memories.
Don’t mourn for the candle went out, celebrate how brightly it burned. Jack and Geri were a gift to us all. We are sorry for your loss.
Jack and Geri’s family: You were so blessed to have such "awesome" parents! I am sure the flag is up for the Pine Street gang. Try and get some comfort from all the fantastic memories. God Bless!
Janis, Dano and Family so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I am sure she had a wonderful life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..
Geri will truly be missed. I have many wonderful memories of her. She was so fun to be around,and it is a blessing to have known her. Desirae and Delilah loved visiting with her and enjoyed all the fun things she had to share with them. She will always be remembered!
Carmen,Dan,Janis,and families, Our sympathy goes out to all your families. May all of the wonderful memories and stories help you through this time. The memories are forever and you’ve got great ones, she will smiling down on all of her family. Our prayers are with you.
Jerry Oppedeson family, I was sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I was in her class of 1949 at AFH. I have only seen her a few times over the years at class reunions but she was a very nice person. You have our sincere condolences.
Janis and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I can’t imagine what you are feeling. I just hope you know that there are many people around that love you and are here for you! May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Carmen and Family…sorry to hear of your loss
(Jack,Jerry), Carmin,Daniel,Janis,
You have all touched my life in a very special way
I have learned so much especially through Jerry. We shared so much because we had so much in common. Words can not express what an inspiration she was to me and to others. A special thank you to you Janis. These times are difficult for all of you and all who knew Jerry.We thank GOD for the time he gave us with her. Peace be with all of you.
Janis and family- I’m saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. What a wonderful lady. Maybe she will be up there playing bingo with aunt Minnie!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing today. And, I didn’t even know that Jack had passed away last year. They were both such special people. I remember going to so many dances when the Jack Oppy Band was playing – great memories! My deepest sympathy to goes out to Carmen, Danny and Janice on the loss of their Mom. It’s especially hard to lose a loved one during the holidays. The picture that you’ve posted is beautiful. God bless.
Your Mom brought so much love and fun into my mom’s life at the Villa Pines. She spoke so fondly of her visits with Janis and Jerry. I will never forget…just a month or so ago..Jerry stopped me in the lunchroom and said she "wished Mom could sit at her table." That simple statement touched my heart. She will live forever in your hearts…go rest high on that mountain Jerry, you have earned it.
Jerry was a very special person full of life and love. I will always remember her as "cook" at Adams Elementary inviting me in to sample the freshly made bread/rolls or a new cake recipe she was trying. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janis, Dan, and Carmen & family, we are very for the loss of your Mom. Ross’s memories are of all of you living on Pine Street. May all your memories of your Mom put a smile on your face.
Janis and the entire family, Your parents are both at peace now and your days of wonderful caring for both of them is over. Now sit back and rest thinking of all of the fond memories you have of all those years. Aaron and I so enjoyed our visits with them when your Dad would share his fishing boat with Aaron on our trips back to Wisconsin and also the earlier years of dancing to the orchestra your Dad played with. Great memories of great people. Wish I could be there for the services. Love Gladys
I have many so many fond memories of Geri in AZ.
She will be missed by all.
i am so sorry for ur lose but i did love her like a"mom" i will miss her smiling face and laughter. she is at peace now god bless her family and gerry for now she is at peace.
So sorry for you loss…I so enjoyed seeing her smiling face and the kids loved the opportunity to play bingo with her. Prayers to your entire family.
How saddened I was to hear of Jerry’s passing! I have such great memories of her! She was always willing to take some time to visit and I so enjoyed her stories! Her bright, welcoming smile will surely be missed at Villa Pines!
Janis,Carmen,and Dan I am so sorry for your loss. She is and was one of the greatest persons.I ever got to meet.I will miss her very much.I love you (mamma)
I was so sad to hear about Jerry’s death. I always enjoyed Jack and Jerry. I could always count on a smile from Jerry at church and at school. Prayers for all of you. May you find comfort knowing that Jerry shares in the resurrection of Christ because she is His child. Jennie…I live in River Falls. We should get together when you have time!!
I am sadden to her of the lose of your Mother , Grandmother ,And Great Grandmother. I went to Adams Grade school.And I always remembered her with a smile on her face.She will always be a happy memory from my child.
GOD Bless you all!
I remember seeing Geri when I was going to Villa Pines to visit my mother in law. She always had a smile on her face and was very easy to talk to. Sorry for your loss and remember that she is at peace even though the family is hurting.
Janis, Carmen, and Dan, I am sorry. She is and was a wonderful woman. She will be missed and now she is where she always wanted to be… With the love of her life. She is now at peace.
Janis, My deepest sympathy to you,and your family, what a wonderful person your mom was.You will have many, many, beautiful memories of her. God Bless you all.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers
sorry for your loss. your ma was a super person and will always be remembered. when i was little she cooked for elementary school. best cook this school system will ever have. everything was made from scratch and the heart. she had everyone try it and most would want more. she left a good memory with people.
Janis and family, we enjoyed our many visits with your Mom at Villa Pines, she loved talking about "the good old days" with Pete. Our prayers are with you all during this sad time. Margaret and Pete
Carmen, Sorry for the loss of your mom. She will be missed by all who knew her. Sending prayers for you and all the family.
To Carmen: Our heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. We know peace can be found even in difficult times when we rest our weary hearts in the arms of Jesus. Let Him comfort you at this time.
Grammy I love you and miss you. My fondest childhood memories are always of you and grandpa and the times that we got to share. You are the strongest woman I know and are a constant inspiration to me. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher and a loving part of my life. You will be missed but we will meet again. I love you Grammy. Love Tamara Tamara
Gerry was a wonderful lady. she always had a smile. I have many fond memories from my childhood of Gerry. Hold each other close share, your memories and stories. May God, family and friends comfort you.
Janis & Family:
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing; she was a fantastic lady and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Our sympathy goes out to you and your family through this loss. I will miss seeing you and your mom come into PC . . . she certainly loved to look! Thinking of you.
Janis and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. A few months ago I was at Villa and saw your Mom playing bigo and she was in such good spirits! When bingo was done, she asked me to come see her house and I wheeled her there! She was so proud of all the photos she had and told me who they all were.She was so excited at that time because Jered was getting married and she looked forward to that occasion!! I know she didn’t seeem like 80 and I guess we both are lucky to have had such "young" 80 yr old moms!! Take care and thinking of you.
we are so sorry for your loss all are prayers go out to you and your families she was the best she could always make you smile and laugh when you were down she will be missed alot we will never forget her
Carmen, Daniel, Janis, & Family, We are so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Please hold her menories close to your heart.