Werner H. Oppelt, 83

Werner H. Oppelt, 83, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, at his home in Sagle, Idaho, surrounded by family.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint, Idaho, with Pastor Steve Neuder of the First Lutheran Church officiating.

Werner was born on November 27, 1924 in Dresden, Germany to Hermann and Elsa Oppelt.

He grew up and attended schools in Germany, and served in the German infantry during World War II.

After the war he worked as a police officer on an American military base.

Werner married Mathilde Klassen on Dec. 8, 1946 in Sande, Germany.

In 1953 the couple moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where Werner began his career with Safeway as a produce manager.

In 1964 the family moved to Monterey, California, and Werner remained with Safeway until his retirement in 1984. Werner and Mia moved to Sagle in 2002 to be closer to family.

Werner was a member of the German rowing club, and the Grand Jury in Monterey, he also served as president of the German American Club in Monterey. He was very artistic and creative and enjoyed cooking, baking, photography, wood working, making wine, playing the harmonica and raising canaries.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mathilde “Mia” Oppelt of Sagle; a daughter, Angela Rast (David Stroud) of Visalia, Calif.; three sons, Hans (Lee) Oppelt of Seaside, Calif., Perry (Linda) Oppelt of Sagle, Idaho, and Roger Oppelt of Sagle; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Karl-Heinz Oppelt of Germany.

Werner and his family express great gratitude towards Hospice for their tremendous help and compassion. Memorial donations may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Werner's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.