In Memory Of
Frank J. Oppitz, Jr.
Frank J. Oppitz, Jr.
Frank J. Oppitz, Jr., 84, Topeka, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 at Brewster Place.
He was born February 26, 1924 in Topeka, the son of Frank J. and Eugenia Hilderman Oppitz. Frank graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University.
He owned his own business, Central Recording Studio for all of his working life, along with MuSed Background Music Service.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Orient Lodge #51 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies and Arab Shrine for over 60 years and where he served as Potentate in 1970. He also was a member of Royal Order of Jesters, Court #125. He belonged to and enjoyed the downtown Rotary Club for many years.
Frank loved his children. He took pride in the stone house on Grove in the Potwin area that he and his son Larry built together, using limestone trim from the old Roosevelt Junior High School.
Frank loved music and as a musician played the trumpet. During his younger years he played in several traveling bands, made up of local musicians. He was a member of the Santa Fe Band from the age of 14. From the age of 21, he was a member of the Arab Shrine Marching Band and was its leader and organizer for many events and trips. He particularly enjoyed march and dance band music.
He married Patricia Ann Chew of Hutchinson, KS on February 1, 1951 and celebrated 57 years of marriage. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Lawrence W. Oppitz and wife Garrie and their son, Richard J. Oppitz of Topeka; Michael E. Oppitz and wife Laura of Gardner, KS; two daughters Constance C. Oppitz of Leawood, KS and Jeanette Surratt and husband Phil of Branson, MO. He is also survived by a niece and nephew both of San Jose, CA, Shannon Bracy and Dr. Marc Bracy. His extended family includes a step-granddaughter, Sylvia Hogan and husband Terry and four great granddaughters, all of Manhattan, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents of Topeka and his sister, E Lorraine Bracy of San Jose, California.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with interment in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Mr. Oppitz will lie in state after noon Monday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., 66614, Arab Shrine Temple Travel Fund (transportation for children to receive care), 1305 S. Kansas Ave., 66611, or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Road, 66617.
He was born February 26, 1924 in Topeka, the son of Frank J. and Eugenia Hilderman Oppitz. Frank graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University.
He owned his own business, Central Recording Studio for all of his working life, along with MuSed Background Music Service.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Orient Lodge #51 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies and Arab Shrine for over 60 years and where he served as Potentate in 1970. He also was a member of Royal Order of Jesters, Court #125. He belonged to and enjoyed the downtown Rotary Club for many years.
Frank loved his children. He took pride in the stone house on Grove in the Potwin area that he and his son Larry built together, using limestone trim from the old Roosevelt Junior High School.
Frank loved music and as a musician played the trumpet. During his younger years he played in several traveling bands, made up of local musicians. He was a member of the Santa Fe Band from the age of 14. From the age of 21, he was a member of the Arab Shrine Marching Band and was its leader and organizer for many events and trips. He particularly enjoyed march and dance band music.
He married Patricia Ann Chew of Hutchinson, KS on February 1, 1951 and celebrated 57 years of marriage. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Lawrence W. Oppitz and wife Garrie and their son, Richard J. Oppitz of Topeka; Michael E. Oppitz and wife Laura of Gardner, KS; two daughters Constance C. Oppitz of Leawood, KS and Jeanette Surratt and husband Phil of Branson, MO. He is also survived by a niece and nephew both of San Jose, CA, Shannon Bracy and Dr. Marc Bracy. His extended family includes a step-granddaughter, Sylvia Hogan and husband Terry and four great granddaughters, all of Manhattan, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents of Topeka and his sister, E Lorraine Bracy of San Jose, California.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with interment in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Mr. Oppitz will lie in state after noon Monday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., 66614, Arab Shrine Temple Travel Fund (transportation for children to receive care), 1305 S. Kansas Ave., 66611, or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Road, 66617.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank J. Oppitz, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, October 27, 2008
5:30 - 7:30 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
First United Methodist Church
Guestbook
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