Obituary

Remembering Bernard Lee Oppenneer

Bernard “Bud” Lee Oppenneer, age 95, of Belmont, went to be with his Lord and Savior  on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He will be lovingly remembered by his nephews, Randal and Diane Oppenneer, Dan and Raelynn Oppenneer, and his niece, Heidi Oppenneer; several grandnieces and nephews. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mae Oppenneer; his brother, Jerald “Jerry” Oppenneer. Bernard proudly served his country in the US Army. He served as a PFC in the Engineer Corps as a radioman and cartographer in the Pacific Command from 1946 to 1948, and as a 1st LT in the Quartermaster Corps Supply Division in Berlin, Germany, from 1952 to 1954.. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1946, Western Michigan University with a BSLS in 1952, and the University of Michigan with a MA in library science in 1960. Bud administered libraries in Ottawa, IL; Elgin, IL; Traverse City, MI; Saginaw, MI; and Des Plaines, IL. He was President of the Michigan Library Association from 1974 to 1975, the Ottawa, IL Kiwanis Club (1966), and the Des Plaines Kiwanis Club (1980). He was honored by the Ottawa Jaycees as Man of the Year in 1964 and President of the Leisure Village Council from July 2000 to June 2004. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Leisure Village, 5305 Circle Dr. NE, Belmont with Chaplain Micah Manore officiating.  Burial Elmwood Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may greet the family one hour prior to the start of the service from 10-11 am.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Cedar Springs Library. 

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Wednesday, October 16 · 10:00am - 11:00am

Location

Leisure Village Belmont

5305 Circle Drive NE
Belmont, MI 49306

Funeral Service

Wednesday, October 16 · 11:00am

Location

Leisure Village Belmont

5305 Circle Drive NE
Belmont, MI 49306

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
I first met Bud when I moved into Leisure Village. In the years following, he kept us busy theater, symphony, Northview Seniors, and travel to various states and Canada. Bud was a delightful man, full of energy, frequently volunteering to help others. He lived his life to the fullest, being an excellent mentor and dear friend. If you ever read READERS DIGEST, Bud was what they called “the most unforgettable person”! I will miss him, and thank God for having blessed me with so many wonderful memories of Bud, RIP, my dear friend.

— Betty Duncan

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Honor Bernard with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.