Gus J Oppermann

Gus J. C. Oppermann, IV, age 91, of Galveston, passed away, Tuesday, May 30, 2023 after a long Illness. Gus was born in Galveston, Texas, on December 18, 1931, to Gus John, III, and Katherine Shuberg Oppermann. He graduated from Kirwin High School, Galveston, in 1949, and St. Edwards University in Austin in 1953. Following graduation from St, Edward’s, Gus was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict (1953-1955). Upon discharge from the Army in 1955, he began a career in banking in Galveston. He was Assistant Vice President for First Hutchings-Sealy National Bank (1955-1967), and Vice President and Cashier/Secretary of the Board of Directors, University National Bank (1967-1978). During his banking career, he graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (1966) and was past President of the Galveston County Chapter of the American Institute of Banking and was an instructor in Principles of Banking and Economics (1962). In 1978, Gus transitioned to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) serving as Assistant to the Medical Director (1978-1980); Assistant to the Associate Vice President for University Hospitals (1980-81); Executive Director for Hospital Business Affairs (1981-1990) and retired in 2000 as the Director for Administrative Affairs, Hospital Financial Management. During his time at UTMB, he became close with a number of County Judges and Medical Professionals across the state including Chief Battise of the Alabama Cochatta. He is recognized for his support of Rural, Tribal and Prison medical availability.

Gus and his wife, Corinne, have three children, David, Suzanne, and Paul. Following retirement, in 2009, they moved from Galveston to Houston to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Gus enjoyed taking his children & friends to their ranch in Marquez, where they enjoyed nature’s beauty, blooming redbuds and dogwoods, built Lake Suzanne & Moon Lake, and learned hunting and ranching skills. He and his family enjoyed hunting, fishing, & building. Gus also liked rail roads and trains and Gus and his father would frequently take his children to the Galveston Train Station (now the Galveston Railroad Museum) to watch the trains arrive and depart.

Gus loved his family and the Galveston community. He lived his life serving God, caring for his family, and serving his community. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. His membership in the Roman Catholic organizations included: the 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Council 787, past Faithful Navigator (1958-60); the Order of the Alhambra, past Grand commander, Aben Fahar Caravan No. 141, Galveston, 1960-62; and The Holy Name Society. Some of the community organizations in which he was actively involved include: Lions International (Galveston Chapter) past President (1971-72); the Galveston Chamber of Commerce; past treasurer of the Galveston County Chapter of the American Red Cross; past Budget Member, the United Way; Bay Area Heart Association, past Treasurer; Bay Area Boy Scouts of America, Troop Organizer, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church; the Galveston Railroad Museum, Board Member; and The Galveston Historical Association. In September 1977, he assisted with a fundraiser, titled “One More Spin At the Balinese” sponsored by the Galveston County Cultural Council to raise funds for the restoration of the Grand Opera House. The historical preservation of Galveston is important to the Oppermann family and they have supported its restoration. Recently, the Oppermann family vault (Nicholas Clayton), the final resting place of numerous Oppermann family members, was placed entrusted to The Galveston Historical Foundation.

In July 1979, Gus, together with his brothers and late father, Gus Oppermann, III, were honored with a special family tribute and award for the service of individual family members to St. Edward’s University and their respective communities.

Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Gus, III and Katherine Oppermann; brother, John Oppermann and wife, Margaret; and nephews, Karl Oppermann and Charlie Oppermann.

Gus is survived by his wife, Corinne, of 63 years (June 11, 1960). His three children, David (Karla); Suzanne (Jeff Reed); and Paul (Nancy); his grandchildren, Gus James David (JD) (Ariana); William (Brooke); Ernest Hampton (Ernie); Sarah Corinne; and Joseph Gustav (Joe); his great-grandchildren, Mia & Rita; three brothers, K. Robert (Bob)(Deanna), Theodore (Ted)(Juanita); and Joseph (Joe)(Langdon) and many nieces and nephews.

The pallbearers will be sons, Gus David Oppermann,V & Paul Oppermann; son-in-law, Jeffrey Reed; grandsons, Gustav J. D Oppermann, VI, William Oppermann, Ernest Oppermann and Joseph Oppermann; and nephew, Bobby Oppermann. Honorary Pallbearers will be brothers Bob Oppermann, Ted Oppermann & Joe Oppermann (Godson); long term friends, Pete Urbani and David Roberts.

Viewing will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. followed by the rosary at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. Chapel funeral services will be held at American Heritage on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m.; services at 11:30 a.m.; military honors cemetery services at 12:45 p.m. followed by a catered reception at American Heritage Funeral Home from 1:15-3:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UTMB School of Nursing Katherine Shuberg Oppermann Endowed Scholarship Fund, C/O UTMB Development Office, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 7755-0148; Lotus Hospice, attention: Nicole Cubic, 810 Highway 6 S #110, Houston, TX 77079; St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Food Pantry and Emergency Assistance Programs, 3600 Brinkman St., Houston, TX 77018, or the Charity of your choice.

Corinne would like to extend a special thank you to her long term, cherished friend, Katie Winslade, for her love, support and generosity over the past 8 years; most especially over the past several months when Katie brought home baked cookies and pound cakes for Gus’s afternoon treats with his Blue Bell Ice Cream and fresh flower bouquets for Corinne. And a special note of appreciation is extended to Tegan Campbell for years of loving assistance with the care of our German Shepherd, Max.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Gus’s caretakers from: Jakin Care, owner, Sheyi Jenkins, care givers, Kelli Tijani, Denise Lopez & Jackie Rodriguez; Lotus Hospice, Pamela Soileau, RN, Dameron Freddie, CNA, Lynette Williams-McLain, Chaplain, and Dr. Zachary Smith, Medical Director.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Oppermann family.