Bernard Opheim

Bernard "Bud" H. Opheim, age 71, of Thomson, Illinois, died Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the service. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Memorials may be given to the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. Bud was born on June 25, 1937, the son of Bernard H. and Edith M. (Beinlein) Opheim Sr.. He attended Clinton High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. He married Donna Sippel on August 19, 1977 in Morrison, Illinois.Bud was a foreman for Allied Steel in Clinton, Iowa for 30 years. When Allied Steel closed, Bud and Donna owned and operated Bears Drive-Inn, Thomson, until retiring in 1998. Bud was a member of the United Methodist Church, Thomson and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He loved the Mississippi river and enjoyed boating and fishing. Most of all, Bud loved spending time with his family and friends.Bud is survived by his wife Donna; five children, Kelly (Jim) Montgomery of Clinton, Kip (Ella) Opheim of Camanche, Iowa, Mark (Lori) Opheim of Marion, Iowa, Kristi (Mike) Nester of Savanna, Illinois and Jodi (K.C.) French of Thomson; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Holle and Nancy (Dick) Roberts both of Clinton; and one sister in-law, Barb Opheim of Clinton.