Norman P. Opper, 88, Birnamwood, died on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at North Central Health Care Center, Wausau.
He was born on January 13, 1928 in Birnamwood, the son of the late Phillip and Mary (Lotharius) Opper. Norman was a United States Army veteran serving during World War II in Japan.
On June 24, 1950, Norman was united in marriage toJeanette Vollmer. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2005.
Norman worked a short time for Hatley Veneer, and then worked as a tool and die maker for Marathon Electric until his retirement after 37 years. He was a lifetime member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood where he served as usher for many years. Norman was a charter member of the Birnamwood Bowhunters, and enjoyed, deer and rabbit hunting, trout and ice fishing and snowmobiling. He especially enjoyed feeding and watching the birds.
Survivors include three children, Debra (Dennis) Rew, Birnamwood, Diane (Alan) Schultz, Shawano and Michele (Steve) Turney, Birnamwood; three grandchildren, Jessica Rew, Birnamwood, Erin (Mike) Prey, Clintonville and Stephanie Biagioni, Milwaukee; two great-grandchildren, Maddin and Saylor Prey; brother, Melvin (Pat) Opper, Birnamwood; siblings-in-law, Mary Opper, Birnamwood, Bernard Krueger, Woodruff, Ray Vollmer, Wausau, Nancy (Virgil) Mueller, Hatley; special friend, Gertrude Beran, Birnamwood, and many nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, parents; grandson, Nicholas James Rew,  brothers, Wallace, Edward, Vern, William, Clarence and Leonard and sisters, Ann Clark, Ella Wiegman, Marie Thoms, Lucille Dietzen and Agnes Krueger.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 4PM on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Fr. Anthony Ibekwe will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Parish cemetery with military rites conducted by the Birnamwood American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2PM until the time of Mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Raptor Education Group, Antigo.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to thank Aspirus VNA and nurse Sue for allowing Norman to stay in his home as long as possible. They also wish to thank the staff at Lakeview Heights at North Central Health Care for the kind and compassionate care given to Norman.