Dear Oppewall family, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to your family.Though I only knew your family for awhile back in the early 70's whenI was attending Jenison High,I remember how kind you all where.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 Posted by Dawn Bruff - Grand Rapids, MI April 02, 2008

Hi everyone. I'm Uncle Casey's daughter, in case anyone doesn't know. My dad was Uncle Taeke's brother-in-law. I just wanted to share a few memories I have about Uncle Taeke.
 Maybe Cathy will remember this one. I was visiting for the weekend and KFC was our evening meal. We were at the dinner table. I don't remember who started it, but Cath and I had a food fight, flinging coleslaw back and forth at eachother with forks and spoons. Uncle Taeke laughed and laughed. I think Aunt Nellie told us to calm down, but she laughed as well.
 I remember after one stay at the house, Uncle Taeke carved my first name in wood and made a block of wood with a slot where he inserted the letters. I was very surprised, but pleased.
 Along with his wife, Aunt Evie, Gracie and Uncle Don, they have come to visit my dad several times during the past years. 
 I'll never forget Uncle Taeke's laugh, such as when he and the rest were given Poor Ol' George calendars... They were full of humor as well as recipes, ancient garden superstitions, outhouse jokes. etc. Uncle Taeke responded with some anecdotes about other calendars oops! They were nearly in the category of being X-rated... and from what I remember, there was a big bonfire for those things that nobody expected to be that bad. We all laughed.
 I commend him for taking care of Aunt Nellie as long as he did. Now THAT is love! He was very helpful and caring I saw, even when she started going more down hill. He cut up her food and urged her to eat, helped her sit down etc.
 This is supposed to be about my uncle, but because I am shy, I would probably never relate this to my cousins, his kids.
 My last memory of Aunt Nellie... we had a pumpkin stand in the front yard near the driveway. I gave away some tiny ones and would have larger also, but the others insisted on paying.
 They were leaving and I hugged and kissed Aunt Gracie, Evie, and spontaneously, Aunt Nellie. Her entire face lit up and she said it was nice to meet me.
 So I guess this is a remembrance to both Uncle Taeke and Aunt Nellie.
 God Bless all richly, may peace and comfort come to your hearts.
 Mary

 Posted by Mary Eggleston - Rockford, MI April 02, 2008

To Dan and Cathy Meyaard family: Once again you have our sympathy in your loss of CathyA�A�A�s dad. We lift you up in our prayers and thoughts as you once again go through A�A�A�the valley of the shadow of deathA�A�A? so soon after following this path for DanA�A�A�s dad. Rest in the comfort that your loved ones are in a far better place and that some day we will join them in JesusA�A�A� presence. We would have preferred a face to face visit but we are already out of town for a spring break vacation. In any case, may the peace of God comfort you and your family and help you through this time of sorrow.

 Posted by Ron and Lorie Emelander - Jenison, MI April 03, 2008

I wanted to express my condolences to my cousins who I haven't seen in so many years. I'm very sorry of the loss of your Dad, my Uncle Taeke. I was lucky enough to have a chance to visit with him and Aunt Nellie at my Mom's house when I was visting her in the summer of 2006. He was a good man and we had a nice summer afternoon to visit and catch up. 
 I found this poem that may be of some comfort to you in your loss.
 He's Waiting 
 His face was wrinkled, his hair white as snow, His body was tired of this world here below. He waited patiently to hear God's call. When it came, he was ready, and surrendered all - To be with our Savior, in His loving care - To join friends and family and with them share The Lord's boundless love and endless grace; He is with Jesus now in His warm embrace; He waits again patiently - for you and me, Till we leave this Earth, finally free, To meet him again and share his delight, As we enter the city that has no night. 
 By Kathy Steinemann Published: 6/28/2007 
 Doug Wilbur and Family

 Posted by Doug Wilbur - Rowlett, TX April 03, 2008

To all, Uncle Ted was a very kindhearted man and if you knew him, you loved him...it's that simple. We will miss his smile, his laughter and his compassion.

 Posted by Doug and Dianne Thole - Grand Rapids, MI April 03, 2008

OBITUARY

Taeke Oppewall

April 20, 1926 – March 29, 2008

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