She was born on May 30, 1953 to Wayne and Darlene (Hacker) Bravick in Forest City, IA. She grew up in Thompson, IA. She graduated from high school in Fort Wayne, IN, 1970. Cheryl then attended Luther College for a brief period. She then moved back to Thompson, IA, and began working for Winnebago Industries. She met Bill in Cherokee, IA, and they were soon married in 1973. Afterwards, they moved to Ames, IA and they started their family here. Cheryl and Bill had 4 children together; David, James, Sarah, and Rebecca.
Cheryl had many jobs throughout the years, but her passion was working with special needs children. She and Bill were house parents for the first Mainstream Living Home in Ames, IA. Her final job was driving the special needs bus for the Ames School District. Cheryl knew every single one of the children, and always cared for them like her own. She filled the atmosphere around her with love.
Cheryl survived by her husband, Bill Opheim; children, David Opheim and Sarah (Mike) Sauer; grandchildren, Angela Opheim and Thomas Sauer; ex daughter-in-law, Michelle Olson; sister, Vicky Captain; brothers, Jim (Rhonda) Bravick, David (Sue) Bravick, and Dennis Bravick; sisters-in-law, Rachel (Mark) Lohafer and Carol (Rick) Lippard. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Darlene Bravick; children, James Opheim and Rebecca Opheim; parents-in-law, Don and Marie Opheim.
