Norman P. Opperman, 92, of 730 North Spruce Street, St.Marys, OH, died Friday, September 28, 2007, at a daughter’s residence in St.Marys.

He was born July 8, 1915, in New Knoxville, OH, the son of Henry and Deena (Kuck) Opperman.

He married Elsie Sullivan on September 12, 1937; she survives at the residence. The Opperman’s celebrated 70 years of marriage on September 12, 2007.

He is survived by:

¨ Daughter, Rebecca Ballenger of St.Marys, OH

¨ Daughter, Joyce (Peter) Perri of Jupiter, FL

¨ Son, Bruce (Bonnie) Opperman of Elida, OH

¨ 6 grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Johnides of Celina, OH; Jason Ballenger of St.Marys, OH; Amy Nixon of Upper Arlington, OH; Peter (Cari) Perri III of Jupiter, FL; Paul Perri of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Amanda Opperman of Elida, OH

¨ 4 great-grandchildren: Ali Johnides, Brianne Ballenger, Kasie Ballenger and Peter Perri IV.

¨ Brother, Willis Opperman of Toledo, OH

¨ Several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by one sister, Della Hoelscher.

Norm was a graduate of New Knoxville High School and attended The Ohio State University. He retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 33 years of service, where he received the Goodyear Spirit Award in 1974. He was a member of the St.Marys Jaycees, where he received an award for his Service to Humanity. He was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church in St.Marys and he had been a delegate to the General Conference of the church. He was a former city councilman in St.Marys, and also mayor. He was the first mayor elected to a four year term in St.Marys history. He was a staunch member of the Republican Party, an avid fan of the St.Marys Roughriders and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a life member of the St.Marys Community Library. He was affectionately known by all as “Grandpa Dad.” His greatest joy was his family.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at the Miller Funeral Home (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in Saint Marys, with the Reverend Mary Kay Brown, officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, near Moulton.

Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be directed to the Grace United Methodist Church or Agape Ministries.