Robert C. Oppermann, Jr.

Integrity. Service. Honor. Robert C. Oppermann, Jr., 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Bob was in the presence of his Beloved wife Liz.

Mr. Oppermann, the son of the late Robert C. Sr. and Faye West Oppermann, was born May 3, 1932 in St. Louis, Mo. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of Knights of Columbus fourth degree Honor Guard. Bob had retired after a 28-year career in the U.S. Marines, his other family. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Bob loved being with his family and friends and enjoyed gardening.

“I grew up thinking my Dad was normal; like all dads. That all men must be like him. I have recently realized how very stellar my Dad was as a man. I feel sorrow for children who are raised by lesser men. Our Dad was a Warrior of Heart. His whole life was service to his country and family. Dad would die for anyone reading this. Dad was a great man." Robbi, his daughter.

"It doesn't seem real that he would leave me but I'm so glad Dad's got his wings, and now is with those he loved and missed for all these years. There's a party going on in heaven right now." -Theresa, his daughter.

“Bob was the Candy Man at Boycom. He'll be missed by neighbors, Walmart greeters, and so many folks who knew him, because he was always there teasing people. Bob loved to make them laugh and smile." -Liz, his wife.

In his final act of service, Bob gifted his tissue to help 20-30 others live better lives. His laughter will live on in their lives, and our hearts, forever.

On July 2, 2004, he married Elizabeth "Liz" A. Hunt in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include three children, Robbi Jean Oppermann Firestone of Santa Fe, NM, Theresa Clark of St. Louis and Robert C. Oppermann III of Poplar Bluff; five step-children, Marcy Boucherof NYC, NY, Victor (Karen) Dollar of Camarillo Calif., Timothy (Sharon) Dollar of Clarksville, Tenn., John Barr of Fredericktown, Mo. and Joan (Darrell) Rockfield of Maryland Heights; a step-daughter-in-law, Alyene Harris of Dallas, Texas; 10 grandchildren including Dakota Robert Clark and Cooper Gage Clark; numerous great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Margaret Post of Columbia, Mo. and Jean Oppermann of San Francisco, Calif.

In addition to his parents, a step-son, Dale Harris also preceded Bob in death.

The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with Knights of Columbus fourth degree honor guards. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father William Hodgson serving as Celebrant. Full military honors will immediately follow on the grounds outside the church.

Donations may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 123 N. 8th St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 in Bob’s memory.