May Opperman

May Thomas Opperman was born May 12, 1924, in Coon Rapids, Iowa to Wesley Lynk and Freida Elsina (Weaver) Thomas. She grew up on a farm in the Star Community of Union Township outside of Coon Rapids with her brothers Wes and Bill and sisters Ruth and Dorothy. She attended Star School, graduated from Coon Rapids High School and enrolled at Iowa State College where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She was proud to also include that she almost had a minor in chemistry. While at Iowa State May was employed by the Iowa State College Library and then joined Dr. Peterson at Iowa State College as a Research Associate where together they won an award for research.  

While at Iowa State she met George Opperman at a Farm House fraternity dance when she “wanted to dance with someone tall.” George and May were married on June 17, 1944, a union that lasted 71 years. 

After a brief stop in Beloit, Wisconsin, George and May moved to Manning, Iowa and began life on the farm where they started and grew their family to include six children. While in Manning May was active in the First United Methodist Church, PEO, Homemakers Club and the Carroll County Republican Party. 

When George accepted a job back in Beloit, Wisconsin, they moved there to continue their lives together. May continued her involvement in various activities, including the River of Life First United Methodist Church in Beloit where she was a member of the United Methodist Women, Lay Leader, Trustee, and helped with funeral luncheons.  May was the Past President of the Intermediate Women’s Club, a member of PEO and the Rock County Republican Party. May was able to travel to many countries with George when he was working with the Foreign Agricultural Service. But her biggest thrill was going with the Beloit Methodist Church Choir to perform in England. 

May enjoyed spending time with family and enjoyed her own interests. She was an avid sports fan, especially when Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, the Cyclones or Packers or her kids were playing. She was an avid reader and spent many enjoyable hours with a good book. May was also especially adept at playing cards, especially Bridge and Duplicate Bridge, and participated in many card clubs throughout her life. She and George even enjoyed playing golf together later in life. 

 May passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Beloit, Wisconsin. at the age of 99 years.

May was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her husband George Opperman; four sons: Tom Opperman, Doug Opperman, Dave Opperman and Don Opperman;  grandson Brian Opperman. She is survived by her daughter Mary Opperman of Prineville, Oregon and son Mike Opperman (Kelly) of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Mariah, Micah, Melissa, Katie, Maggie and Jack; and three great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. 

Graveside services for May Opperman, were held at 12 Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Manning Cemetery.