Alfred Oppelt

April 17, 1933 – August 27, 2026

Alfred (Al) Oppelt, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and servant of God, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 17, 1933, to Henry and Otalia Oppelt, Al was the youngest of nine children. He was raised with strong family values on the farmlands of Poth, Texas, where he learned from an early age the meaning of hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance, and the importance of providing for those you love.

Al grew up alongside his siblings: Henry O. Oppelt, Rosie L. Oppelt, Theresa Oppelt, Agnes A. Oppelt, Herman W. Oppelt, Joseph W. Oppelt, Robert L. Oppelt, and Jacob O. Oppelt.

Though Al received only a sixth-grade education, his schooling was cut short by family responsibilities at home. He never stopped learning, becoming a self-taught scholar through experience, hard work, curiosity, and determination. He mastered many trades and skills, including sales, business, mechanics, plumbing, electrical work, and craftsmanship, always believing in learning by doing and finding a way to make things better.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him from a brick salesman to opening his own business, Al’s Bricks & Supply. He took great pride in his work and the relationships he built with those he served. The bricks he supplied can still be seen throughout San Antonio, a lasting testament to his hard work, craftsmanship, and enduring impact on the community.

Al later worked alongside his beloved wife, Helen, at Ludwig Leather Company, where they created beautiful, custom handmade leather goods. His work reflected his patience, ingenuity, and pride in doing things well.

Al also believed deeply in giving back to his community. For many years, he served as a member of the Moose Lodge as a Loyal Order of Moose, devoting numerous volunteer hours for their charity. Al also served the Lion’s Club at Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, particularly during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. He gave his time freely and found purpose in being of service to others.

Among the memories their family will treasure most are the holidays spent making tamales, countless BBQs, birthdays, graduations, and family gatherings filled with love, laughter, and plenty of good food. Al and Helen loved bringing everyone together, whether around the table or on the infamous Calaveras fishing and camping trips—where the fishing stories often got bigger than the fish! And Al never turned down a chance to visit the casino, and his daily lotto scratch-offs. These special traditions created memories, laughter, and stories that will be shared for generations.

Al’s greatest accomplishment was not his business, his many talents, or the things he built with his hands. It is the family and legacy he leaves behind. He loved his family deeply and took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren grow.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than forty years, Helen R. Oppelt, whose love and companionship remained a cherished part of his life until her passing.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Otelia Oppelt; his siblings, Henry O. Oppelt, Rosie L. Oppelt, Theresa Oppelt, Agnes A. Oppelt, Herman W. Oppelt, Joseph W. Oppelt, Robert L. Oppelt, and Jacob O. Oppelt; his late spouse, Mariana Rodriguez; his daughters, Dorothy Rios and Jane Oppelt; and his granddaughter, Kimberly Oppelt.

He is survived by his children, Richard (Sandra) Oppelt, Alfred (Patsy) Oppelt, and Betty Oppelt; and stepchildren, Joe (Paula) Silvas Jr., Susie (Oscar) Gutierrez, and Louis (Jeanette) R. Silvas.

His loving legacy continues through his grandchildren: Joe (Karla) Oppelt, Greg A. Oppelt, Christina R. Oppelt, Eric Z. Oppelt, Alfred (Cathy) Oppelt III, Robert (Amanda) Oppelt, Valerie Oppelt, Chris (Laurie) Oppelt, Jesse Cazares, Joe (Serena) Rodriguez, Abraham Rodriguez, Melissa Rios, Joe Rios Jr., Joseph (Lindsay) Silvas, Matthew (Yolanda) Silvas, Noah Silvas, Samantha Rae Guajardo, Ethan L. Silvas, and Ella C. Silvas; as well as his 40 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

Al will be remembered for his strong hands, generous heart, quick mind, hardworking spirit, faith in God, and unwavering love for his family. He was a man who could build, repair, sell, create, teach, and provide—but most of all, he knew how to love.

His family will forever carry the lessons he taught them: work hard, take care of your family, never be afraid to learn something new, help your neighbor, and always make room at the table.

The family extends their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Sandra and Richard Oppelt and Christina R. Oppelt, who lovingly served as Al’s caregivers for many years. Their devotion, patience, sacrifices, and unwavering love gave Al comfort, dignity, and care throughout his later years. The family will forever be grateful for the love they gave him.

Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Al is now at peace and reunited with those who went before him. His life touched generations, and his memory will continue to live in every story shared, every lesson remembered, every holiday tradition carried forward, and in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Rest peacefully, Al. Your work here is finished. Your love remains, and your legacy lives on. Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, on September 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Holy Rosary at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, on September 3, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Dr., San Antonio, TX 78228, on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by Burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd., San Antonio, TX 78239.