Opperman, Merle Christena (Luther)

Merle Christena (Luther) Opperman, 109, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Maple Crest Manor from complications of age. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Roberson Funeral Home in Strawberry Point is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at

Merle was born Feb. 3, 1900, at Newhall to Martin and Mary Sehornborn Luther. She attended Newhall and German Lutheran Schools. She was united in marriage Sept. 24, 1919, to Henry Jacob Opperman at Strawberry Point. They spent all of their married life farming mainly in rural Strawberry Point area. She lived eight years with her daughter and son-in-law before breaking her hip and entering into the care center.

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Doran) Welch of Cedar Rapids, and approximately 145 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by her three children, Arnold (June), Richard (Celia), Vernita (Walter) Faust; her husband; her parents; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Otto and Clarence Luther; and sister, Esther (Ralph) Peck.