John (Jack) Frederick Oppedesan, age 86, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at Mound View Memorial Hospital.
Born at home on September 18, 1923 in Wyeville WI to John and Gertrude (Sack) Oppedesan. He moved to Adams when he was 3 years old.
Jack graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1941. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and was a member of the 9th AGF Band. He served with the 1019th Treadway Bridge Company in the ETO. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to Adams and was hired with the U.S. Postal Service.
Jack married the former Geraldine Peterson on April 7, 1951 in Adams. Jack played his trombone with the Larry Woodbury Orchestra for many years. He then formed his own band known as the Jack Opie Orchestra playing at many dance clubs, proms, weddings, and New Years Eve parties around the area. Jack took pride in delivering the mail to homes on Rural Route 1 in Adams and after 32 years with the post office he retired. After his retirement he and Geraldine would winter in Peoria, AZ.
Jack loved to spend time with his family, he also enjoyed watching sports, listening to big band music, and playing games on the computer. In his earlier years he liked to hunt, bowl, golf, and play pinochle at Ranks Bar. His most favorite hobby was fishing on Friendship Lake, where he brought home many meals of blue gills and bass. The door to his home was always open for family and friends to come over and visit, laugh, tell stories, play cards and enjoy "Happy Hour." He will be remembered by his grandchildren for his Eskimo kisses and swimming in inner tubes in front of his dream home on Friendship Lake. Papa Opie loved making homemade bread and root beer floats for his great grandchildren.
Jack was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, VFW Post #6279 and American Legion Post #250.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law John Tipton, and brother-in-law John Baumel.
In accordance with Jacks wishes he will be cremated and a private military burial will be held at a later date.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Geraldine Oppedesan of Friendship, WI
Daughter: Carmen Tipton of Prescott, AZ
Son: Daniel (Jessie) Oppedesan of Friendship, WI
Daughter: Janis (Kent) Massen of Adams, WI
Grandchildren: Tamara Tipton of Prescott, AZ; Jennie (Kevin) Moore of Adams, WI; Jeff (fiancée Karalyn Dehn) Massen of Berlin, WI; Matthew Tipton of ,Prescott, AZ; Joshua (Lisa) Tipton of Phoenix, AZ; Jered Massen of Adams, WI
Great grandchildren: Tiffany Tipton, Salim Jabbour of Prescott AZ, Cameron Tipton, Phoenix AZ, Magnus and Mia Moore of Adams, WI
Sister: Shirley Baumel of Sparta, WI
Nephews: Stan (Joan) Baumel of Burlington WI and Larry Baumel of Sparta, WI
Our deepest condolences to you and your families. May your happy memories sustain you and keep him close.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Janis and Dano, So sorry to hear about your dad. I didnt know him personally. Your family is in my prayers at this time.
Janis, Kent, and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jack was definately a people person and always had time to say Hi and talk. May all of the fond memories help you through this difficult time, and let your faith assure you he is in a much better place and is already trading stories with old friends. Your Friends, Dennis & Judy
DEAREST JERRY I WAS SO SAD TO HERE OF THE LOSS OF JACK I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVED HIM AND HE LOVED YOU YOUR WERE BOTH THE BEST IN-LAWS ANY ONE COULD OF HAD YOU HAD SUCH WONDERFUL YEARS TOGETHER I ALWAYS LOVED BEING WITH YOU BOTH. REMEMBER THE FUN TIME WE HAD IN AZ. AND THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD ON PINE ST.AND AT THE LAKE AND HAPPY HOUR WAS GREAT WITH ALL THE NEIGHBORS STOPPING BY TO SAY HI,WHAT FUN.I KNOW YOUR HEART IS BROKEN BUT YOU HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND KNOW YOU WILL ALL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER. HE IS IN A WONDERFUL PLACE NOW AND AT PEACE. ALL MY LOVE ALWAYS! TERESA
NO WORDS CAN EVER EXPLAIN HOW I FEEL OVER THE LOSS OF "OUR DAD" HE ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE A DAUGHTER
HE WAS ONE OF THE KINDEST MEN I WILL EVER KNOW. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME IN BAD TIMES AND GOOD AND THE BEST FATHER-IN-LAWS ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE HAD I WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN THIS MAN HE WILL BE FOREVER IN MY HEART AND SOUL AND I THANK YOU,FOR SHARING HIM WITH ME.I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY. I SHARE YOUR SADNESS. THINKING OF YOU ALL. LOVE YOU SO TERESA.
Janis and Kent,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourne the loss of your Dad. Janis…it is with great respect and admiration that I have watched you care for your parents. I have admired all the love and care you gave him and your Mom. May your wonderful memories sustain you during this time.
Janice and the Opedesan Family:
Please remember our prayers are with you and yours at this time. I will always remember the support that Jack showed for myself as well as the School system at A-F. Who will ever forget the friendly smile and greeting when ever you saw him. Let the good and wonderful things he did for all be your memories
As Ever
Bob Beaver
Dear Oppedesan Family,
Just wanted to let you know our thoughts are with you. Jack was such a wonderful and warm person. We are thinking of you.
Gerri and family. Sorry to hear that Jack has passed away. He was always a joy!
Janis, Dan and Carmen, I will never forget the first day I met your Dad and Mom and how they took me under their wings. Thoughts and prayers are with you with much love.
My thoughts are with the whole family. Jack was always a fun guy to be around. I was fortunate enough to know your whole family for a short time. Take care of yourselves and try to remember those good old days when we were all healthy and had smiles on our faces. My thoughts are with you all.
Just after moving to Adams, I have a fond memory of playing "bingo, bango, bongo" with Jack and Kent Massen at Moundview. Jack treated me like I had lived in Adams my whole life. He made the first outing comfortable and fun. My Best to Janis and the family during this difficult time.
Gerry and family, our condolences. What a guy! We have many memories of him as our neighbor, and friend. What a wonderful person.
Gerry, Janis, Kent and families,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Jack was a happy busy fellow who led a good long life and enjoyed many friends and good times. We should all be so lucky.
Gerry, Janis, Kent and families,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Jack was a happy busy fellow who led a good long life and enjoyed many friends and good times. We should all be so fortunate!
To Gerri and family, May God comfort you at this most difficult time. I can remember Mom and Janie talking about "Jack and Gerri" at bingo on Friday nights. Hold each of your memories close and each other even closer. My sympathies to you. Barb (Larson) Dehmlow
We are thinking of you all with deepest sympathy at this sad time.
janis and family sorry for your loss!
Gerry, Janis and families, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You have many years of good memories, which you will never lose. Our love, Larry and Becky Oleson
Jack was a woderful man. He fought a long hard battle and he is finally at peace. Hold each other close and remember Jack. I will always remember his smile and laugh. I hope he is enjoying his happy hour. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Love Peg and Loren
Janis and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janis and Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. May the wonderful memories help ease your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man & a good person to talk with. He will be missed by everyone.
Gerri Dano and Janis, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you. Its never easy losing a loved one.
Dano, Sorry to hear about your Dad. My sympathy to you and the family.
Dano,Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Kurt & Katie
We are thinking of your entire family. Jack was a great guy along with your whole family. We know how difficult this time can be – you are in our thoughts. You all feel like family as we all grew up together. There are so many great memories, hang on to those.