- He was a brother (Aunt Betty)
- He was a husband (Arlene)
- He was a father (Glenn, Paul, John)
- He was a grandfather (Phillip, Glenn Jr., Claire)
- And lastly he was a great grandfather (Violet)

He was all that and a whole lot more he was a good friend and we he was a mentor.

During the early years he served his country during the Korean War where he spent the majority of times stationed in Japan. Even though he spent his time in Japan he almost lost his arm to an injury and over came this adversity to only fulfill his military obligation. This was just the beginning because he used his GI Bill to go to college and really do what he had a love to do and that would be teaching.

He spent over 30 years in the Detroit School District because this is what his passion was. He enjoyed that everyday interaction with his students in hopes to create a better life and successful people in hopes that they could carry on with life and contribute to society. It was not uncommon to be around town and someone out of the blue would yell Hey Mr. Oppenlander and he would wave back and then all us kids would say Who was that dad and he would go on to explain that it was one of the students from school.

During his teaching years he wanted to go back to school and get his doctorate which would led to greater responsibilities in the school system but when he was spending so much time working and then going to school for his higher learning he realized that it wasn't worth it because he was not spending time with his family and everything revolved around his family.

Throughout his time he was a critical person during the Nativity Lutheran years and later at Hosana Tabor Lutheran Church. I can remember a time during the Nativity Lutheran years where the church had to bring down some trees but when you bring a bunch of guys together such as Grandpa Boyce, Uncle Raymond and dad, you knew that the job would be done in an orderly manner and it would be done the right way. He was always helping out with church in one way or another; he always had a dedication to the church and to the Lord.

I know myself that I was inspired by his action as a father figured because about 15 years ago during one of my many trips back home to visit family there I saw him in the living room reading his bible early in the morning before starting anything else. I find myself doing the same things where now I can't get up and start my day without reading a couple chapters everyday which has lead to me reading the entire bible threw once a year and I plan on doing that for the remainder of my life and all that because of what dad showed me with his actions. He was a devout Christian man and he knew who his spiritual father was.

He loved the outdoors and he took every chance to go fishing or hunting.  He loved the beauty that can be found right here in the state of Michigan because this is what our Lord wanted us to do.  He wanted us to enjoy all the beauty that can be found on the waters or hunting in an open field. I have fond memories of the times that dad and I would go fishing.  When we went fishing, you could never get up too early to go fishing because I knew it would be me and dad and we got an opportunity to spend time together. During one of many fishing adventures we were in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and there must have been about a dozen boats on the water and all fishing for the great Northern Pike. Things were quite that evening and so I said I am going to do some casting it was about the 4th or 5th cast and I had a pike hit the lure immediately and tried to run back into the weeds where he would have gotten away. I had no choice but to hold my line in hopes that northern would come out to open waters and after some time this is what the fish did. During all this event dad brought in our both of our bobber lines and the next thing out of his mouth was everybody is watching you NO PRESSURE. After about 10 minutes of fighting this monster we put a 35 inch Northern Pike into the boat and I think I got the biggest congratulatory hand shake from dad and you could just see how proud he was to see his son get the biggest and only fish caught that night.

He was proud of all his children and grand children to see them grow up and become successful people and God fearing people who have a relationship with Christ. He did all the right things in life and he was a hard worker and in years to come we will still be talking about him and all the good times we spent together.  There is so much more to say and I sure you all have your own stories but I want to leave you with this: I am proud of him and everything he did during his 86 years of here on earth.

Thanks for everything Dad.

Paul

My sincere condolences to the Oppenlander family.  Remain prayerful.

Mr. Oppenlander was always very friendly to us at church.  My wife Cathy and I enjoyed the company of Mr. & Mrs. Oppenlander on many occasions when we dined out with our church group.  We were deeply saddened to hear of his death, and extend to his beloved wife Arlene and their family, our sincerest condolences at this very difficult time.                  

Sincerely, Michael & Cathy O'Dell

Dear Dad,

You sacrificed and worked so hard to support your family.  You are the example of a good Christian Father, and you will always be my rock and foundation.

I love you,

You will be missed but we know that you are in a better place and now you can spend your time with the Lord.  You are the strength of the family and you are loved.  Paul & Paul

OBITUARIO

Robert Oppenlander

29 abril, 1931 – 8 octubre, 2017

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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