Larry Opperman

Larry Dean Opperman, age 80, passed away July 26, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. He had been battling many health conditions for years after being exposed to agent orange in Vietnam.

Larry was born May 22, 1946 to Harold and Nora Fern (Bales) Opperman. He grew up in Marshalltown, where he graduated in June 1964. Larry went to work at Fisher Controls immediately after graduation. He served in the U.S. Navy and Reserves from 1966 to 1971; the ship he served on was the USS Newport News.

Larry married Linda Crosser on September 5, 1969, to which they had one daughter, Marshell. Over the years, Larry and Linda hosted five exchange students (Kirsi, Christina, Javier, Sergio, and Laura), and he was dad to them. Larry cherished the title of grandpa in the recent years; he was very proud of his two granddaughters.

Over the years, Larry enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and racing stock cars. Larry was the point champion in the stock car division in 1977 at the Marshalltown Speedway. His sponsor was the North Dairy Queen. He also enjoyed going to the car shows with his vintage cars.

Larry retired from Fishers in May 2001, where he worked in electronics, as a machine operator and nuclear inspector. They moved 3 years later after Linda retired to Lake Thunderhead, Unionville, MO.

Larry ran the sound at Rathbun County Music, and they went on many trips to Branson. Larry was a volunteer fireman for Green Mountain, IA, and Unionville, MO, for many years. He was also a Lion’s Club member for both towns, and a member of the Green Mountain United Church of Christ. He was a proud member of the UAW 893 retirees. Larry was involved in many Union activities.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of 56 years; daughter, Marshell (Kurt) Chizek of Belle Plaine, IA; granddaughters: Kayla and Mandy Chizek; brothers: Gary (Fran) of Humble, TX and Dennis of Marshalltown; nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, Steve; nephew, Tracy; and dog, Blondie.

The family would like to thank Tama County Health, the Iowa Veterans Home, and Iowa River Hospice staff for all their care. Thank you to everyone who gave your sincere sympathies to the family.

Some of the veterans home called him Lare Bear, and his favorite color was red.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until time of service. Larry will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be directed to Iowa River Hospice or Green Mountain United Church of Christ.

~ Lovingly written by the family

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Larry and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

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