Dorothy Ann (Opperman) Wilson died Tuesday, April 30, at the age of 92, in Kalamazoo Rose Arbor, Centrica.
Dorothy was born March 3, 1932, in Grand Rapids to the late Edward and Jennie (Mason) Opperman. She grew up in Hopkins, where she graduated from high school in 1951. She also attended Davenport College in Grand Rapids.
Dorothy met her husband, Bill Wilson, in the early ’50s and they were married June 26, 1954, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Bill and Dorothy were married 63 wonderful years. He preceded her in death in 2017.
She found immense pleasure in spending time and staying connected with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren using her iPad to FaceTime. It was a special way to bring them close even when afar. Summer vacations were a time for relaxation and joy as she and Bill rented a cottage on Gun Lake. In their retirement years, they stayed the winter in Florida.
A special chapter of Dorothy’s life was her unique and enduring friendship with Eleanor Milheim. Their daily phone calls were a testament to a bond that began in grade school and remained unbroken throughout the years.
Dorothy was employed at the Perrigo Company and as a secretary in the superintendent’s office at Hopkins Public School until her retirement in 1990.
She is survived by her daughters Carol (Mike) O’Connor and Sally (Norm) Gant; her grandchildren Katie (Mike) Montgomery, Chad Gant, Michael (Ramsay) O’Connor, and Kelli (Mike) Featherly; her great-grandchildren Addison Montgomery, Riley Montgomery, Rylen Gant, Owen O’Connor, and Liam O’Connor, Luke Featherly and Evan Featherly. Her great grandchildren affectionately called her Grandma-Great.
Dorothy’s visitation will be Monday, May 6, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hopkins. The family will receive family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. with the funeral starting immediately afterward, officiated by Pastor Seelhoff. A private burial will take place at Maplewood Cemetery following the service. Luncheon and fellowship is planned afterward at The Silo Grille House Restaurant, 1071 Highway M-40).
Donations in her honor may be made to Rose Arbor Centrica or St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hopkins.
