Henry Christian Oppel

Henry Christian Oppel was born September 25, 1927 at Omega, Oklahoma to Frederick and Marie (Kunneman) Oppel and died Friday, August 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 Seabees. 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, OK and the OSU Alumni Association. He served in many areas at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church such as an 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 9th, 1953 in Oklahoma City, Ok. Mildred passed away in 1991. On July 5, 1992 he married Leona Constien who died April 16, 2016.

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

Henry is survived by one son; Gaylen Oppel and wife Sherry of Watonga, OK. One daughter; Sharla Oppel of Watonga, OK. One brother; Fred Oppel Jr. and wife Mildred of Kingfisher, OK . 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, 7 nephews and 5 nieces as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Funeral services for Henry Oppel will be Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. 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.