The Mederville Kid has holstered his pistols and mosied off into the sunset.
Ivan P. Opperman died peacefully April 1st surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer at the Edgewood Convalescent Nursing Home, in Edgewood, Iowa. Ivan, who was known as the Mederville Kid in his Cowboy Shooting Club, in Evansdale, resided at the
Edgewood Convalescent Nursing Home in Edgewood, Iowa. Ivan, 81, formerly lived in Monticello, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska.
Ivan Paul Opperman was born on June 6, 1940 to Edgar and Bessie Opperman in Strawberry Point. He was the fifth son, each of his brothers served in World War II. Ivan graduated at 16 in 1957 from Strawberry Point High School. He attended Iowa State, and was a member of the United States Army Reserves.
Ivan married Rose Ann Knight of Anamosa on May 6,1961 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Anamosa. Ivan and Rose Ann had son Aaron Edgar in April of 1962. They adopted daughter Angela Rose in June of 1969, and Eric Victor in November of 1972.
Ivan started as a bricklayer for Bill Seedorff (Seedorff Masonry Inc.) eventually becoming an estimator and Vice President for the company. In 1984, Ivan opened Seedorff Masonry’s regional office in Omaha, Nebraska. Ivan retired from Seedorff Masonry after nearly 45 years of
service.
After 40 years of marriage, Rose Ann passed away. Ivan and Marilyn (Moser Moats) married in 2001.
Ivan was preceded in death by parents Edgar and Bessie (Palmer); wife Rose Ann; brothers Reginald “Bud” (Eva); Eugene (Betty), Burnell (Charlotte), and Merle (Earlene); parents-in-law Victor and Edna Knight; sisters-in-law JoAn Knight Herron and Delores Knight; and stepson Don McCarthy.
Ivan is survived by: wife, Marilyn, of Cedar Rapids; son Aaron (Jackie) Opperman of Mount Vernon; daughter Angela (Gary) Larson of Bagley, Iowa; and son Eric of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Ellen (KC) Pochabradsky and Katheryn Opperman; Rece and Roen Opperman; Lindsay (Isaac) Fones; Jennifer (John) Miller; Jon (Sara) Larson; Travis (Anastasia) Larson.
Ivan also is survived by stepchildren Steve (Julie) Moats of Roland; Leanne Moats of Hiawatha; Pam McCarthy of Monticello; Curt (Diann) Moats of Anamosa; and Shelly (Dan) Ricklefs of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Ivan’s step grandchildren also included: Anna (Mitch) Gibson; Mary Kate (Reikel) Biechler; Ena (Paul) Schmitt; Paul Moats; Morgan (Spencer) Owen; Tyler (Ashley), McCarthy; Courtney McCarthy; Cory (Brenna) Moats; TJ Moats; Markeya and, Paige Moats; Austin, Casey, and Grant Ricklefs.
Ivan also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren; his fellow Cowboy Shooting Club members; bible study group from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello; several friends, and colleagues.
The family would like to thank: the staff, nurses, and doctors at the Edgewood Convalescent Home; St. Croix Hospice, Strawberry Point; and the staff at Leonard-Muller Funeral Homes and Crematory.
Memorials may be directed to: Strawberry Point Lutheran Home Community; Camp Courageous, Monticello; Sacred Heart School, Monticello; Saint Patrick’s School, Anamosa.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa. A Scripture Service will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 5, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point.
Burial will be at Cass Township Cemetery in Strawberry Point. Luncheon to follow at St. Mary Catholic Church.
