ROBERT OPPELT
November 20, 1929 - September 29, 2022
Obituary
Robert Joseph Oppelt “Bob” “Candy Man”
Bob Oppelt, age 92, was called home to be with the Lord (and late wife, Genevieve) Thursday morning, September 29, 2022. He was born to his German immigrant parents, George and Mary Oppelt on November 20, 1929, and grew up in Menasha. Bob was the youngest of five children.
Bob married his loving wife Genevieve Anita “Pinky” and together they grew a family in Neenah. They had three children, Daniel (Andrea), Jan (Bruce Anca) and Lisa (Paul Gavronski). Bob and Anita were overjoyed to watch their family grow over the years to include 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Bob especially had a soft spot for his grandchildren.
An incredibly hard working and patriotic man, Bob managed the Army National Guard Fleet Maintenance Shop in Oshkosh. After 39 honorable years of his life dedicated to the Army and Federal Civil Service, Bob Retired as a General Mechanic Foreman with a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.
Bob had many pastimes throughout his life; basketball, camping, deer hunting, playing cards, cheering for the green and gold, and following politics. If FOX news ranked their loyal viewers, Bob would be in the top five. Above all hobbies though, he absolutely loved fishing. So much so, that one day on Lake Winnebago a hook got caught in his thumb. He grabbed his trusty, rather rusty, pocketknife and sliced the hook out. If the fish were biting, nothing could pull him off the lake.
Bob was a very loving, generous and thoughtful man. Bob handed out hard candy, most often root beer barrels, everywhere he went, earning himself the nickname “Candy Man.” He just could not stand to leave a conversation with them empty handed. He was always making small talk, dishing out jokes and compliments to brighten everyone's day!
For several years, while Bob lived at Island Shores Senior Living, he made sure that every resident received a birthday and Christmas card from him. He wanted to make sure everyone felt special. Bob's giving heart and quick wit will be greatly missed.
In Bob's own words, “It was a good run!”
A sincere thank you from Bob's family to the staff and caregivers at New Perspective Island Shores Senior Living and Hospice nurses. We greatly appreciated you.