More detail on this person: James H. "Jimmy O" Oppliger James H. "Jimmy O" Oppliger, 64, of Columbus died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, as result of an automobile accident near Duncan. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at St. Luke's-UCC, 1072 21st Ave., Columbus. The Rev. Chris McArdle will officiate. Interment will be at Jackson Cemetery in Duncan with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday at McKown Funeral Home and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church. James H. "Jimmy O" was born May 4, 1946, in Columbus to Herbert and June (Sallee) Oppliger. He grew up in the Duncan and Columbus area and graduated from Columbus High School in 1965 where he played right guard on the 1964 state championship football team. He continued his education studying Ag Business at Wayne St. College and the farm short course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He entered the US Army National Guard where he served as a Warrant Officer flying UH1 Huey helicopters out of Fort Rucker, Ala. He returned to Nebraska where he worked for the State of Nebraska Ag Department before returning to the family farm. He was united in marriage to Gayle Massman Schaefer on Aug. 15, 1992. Jim was active in the Duncan Lakes Association where he helped with its development and upkeep. He especially loved his dogs, restoring cars, golf, and four-wheeling. Jim served on the Duncan Volunteer Fire Department, the Quiet Birdmen, and was a member of St. Luke's United Church of Christ. He is survived by: Wife, Gayle Oppliger of Columbus; son, Jeff (Michelle) Oppliger of Columbus; daughter, Jamie Oppliger of Columbus; step-son, Jared Schaefer of North Platte; step-son, Dustin (Andrea) Schaefer of Duncan; step-daughter, Neely (Kris) Gernstein of Columbus; grandchildren: Cole Oppliger, Jayden Gernstein, Karli Gernstein, and Brea Schaefer; sister, Judy (Neil) Whetstone of Columbus; niece, Tammy (Steve) Dolezal of Columbus; nephew, Ty (Donna) Franzen of Elkhorn. He is preceded in death by: Parents, and best friends Max, Shelby, and Midge.
Burial information: Jackson Cemetery Duncan, NE
This information was last updated 09/12/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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