Henry Oppel

Henry Christian Oppel was born Sept. 25, 1927, at Omega to Frederick and Marie (Kunneman) Oppel and died Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at the age of 92.

Henry was a resident of the Watonga community most of his life where he was a farmer/rancher.

He graduated from Omega High School and attended Concordia Lutheran College for two years.

After Concordia, he attended Oklahoma State University where he received his master’s degree in accounting. He also studied to become a diesel mechanic.

Henry served in the United States Navy for two years serving in Alaska and the Philippines in the Navy C.B’s.

He was on the board of directors for Blaine County Farm Bureau, a member of the Cattlemen’s Association, the Red Angus Cattle Association and the Black Angus Cattle Association.

He was a member of the American Legion in Watonga and the OSU Alumni Association.

He served in many areas at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church such as elder. Henry was a member for many years and loved his church, which was especially important to him.

His faith was the center-most important part of his life and family.

Henry was deeply passionate about farming, his cattle, driving the combine, tractors and especially loved the bulldozer.

He was married to Mildred Kunkel on May 9, 1953, in Oklahoma City. Mildred passed away in 1991.

On July 5, 1992, he married Leona Constien who died April 16, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mildred and wife Leona; one brother, Robert Oppel, and one infant sister.

Henry is survived by son Gaylen Oppel and wife Sherry of Watonga; daughter Sharla Oppel of Watonga; brother Fred Oppel, Jr., and wife Mildred of Kingfisher; seven grandchildren, Christopher Oppel and wife Rosanna, Lindsay Marks and husband Dustin, Lauren Oppel and husband Jeff Glenn, Mikayla Oppel, Justin Cole and wife Brittany, Kelsey Plank, Jordan Plank and wife Alyssa and Yusuke Harase and wife Jennifer; 16 great-grandchildren, seven nephews and five nieces as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Watonga.

Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Watonga. Arrangements by Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga.