Helen R. Opperman

Helen R. Opperman, formally of Findlay, passed peacefully on January 12, 2021, in Medina at the Western Reserve Masonic Community. She is now with our heavenly Father, Savior Jesus Christ, and her husband, R. Jake Opperman. Born on December 28, 1922, to Ruth and Ralph Johnston, siblings Fred and Richard, all deceased. Raised on a farm southeast of Findlay, she learned the value of hard work and ensured her children would learn as well. After meeting the love of her life, they were married on March 27, 1948, and started their family. She is survived by her children, Jane (Roger) Edgington of Medina, OH, Rick Opperman, Findlay, OH, Jean (Ron) Owen of Woodbridge, VA, and Ron (Beth) Opperman, Findlay, OH, as well as 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Jake followed his parents into the Masonic Fraternity and Helen, true to her generation, joined the Eastern Star in 1956. They both were deeply involved until the time of their passing. After 62 years of marriage, Jake left us on April 16, 2010. Helen was a great mother and leader of the house until her children were old enough to set out on their own. She then started work with the City of Findlay tax department. After that, she worked at Northwest Masonry until her retirement. Once retired, Helen and Jake traveled extensively around the United States in their Airstream trailer, as well as abroad. Finally, when the traveling was done, they moved to Medina's Western Reserve where they were taken care of by the amazing staff within this Masonic Community. Forging new relationships that would last until the end. We, the kids, would like to thank all of Western Reserve for everything they did for Helen and Jake to keep them safe, cared for, and loved until God called both of them home. Funeral service, with the OES service, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home with Pastor Dewey Lee officiating. Burial will be held at Knollcrest Cemetery (at a later date). Visitation will be held from 1:00-1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Due to COVID-19, the family will be practicing social distancing and requests all guests to please wear a mask while in attendance. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Western Reserve Masonic Community-SNU, 4931 Nettleton Rd, Medina, OH 44256 and online condolences can be shared by visiting coldrencrates.com