Samuel R. Oppelaar
May 20, 1923 - March 26, 2017
Samuel R. Oppelaar (Big Sam) was called to his eternal resting place on March 26, 2017. Sam was born in Patterson New Jersey on May 20, 1923. He is survived by his wife, Pat, who he married in 1946 at Hope Reformed Church in Clifton, NJ. They just recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Bibs Linker, many nieces and nephews, and his four children: Kathy Zuidema (Rick), Samuel R. Oppelaar Jr., Lt. Col. USAF, Ret. (Alicia), Debbie McCord (Chris), and Kristin Carde (Scott). Sam also is survived by his 10 grandchildren: Steven Zuidema, Amy Bailey, Maj. Samuel Oppelaar III, Maj. Isaiah Oppelaar, and Sarah Dressler, Petty Officer 1st Class, Daniel Oppelaar, Anna Giblin, Jessica McCord, Dalton Carde, and Ethan Carde. He is further survived by 14 great grandchildren. Sam served in the Army Air Corps in WWII from March 1943 to Oct. 1945. He landed on Normandy Beach and was awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal for D-Day Freedom Fighters. After being the owner of a trucking company in New Jersey, the family moved to Florida in 1971 where he owned two auto repair companies. He continued to work as a commercial tour bus driver which allowed him to travel the country. He made several mission trips to Haiti and was known by all to love children. Sam loved his church, loved to sing and play the harmonica. He collected stamps and antiques, loved football and Sunday dinners. Above all, he loved his family. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the mausoleum chapel at Skyway Memorial Gardens. A funeral service will be conducted following the visitation at 11am. Condolences may be made to the family at Skywaymemorial.com.
Samuel R. Oppelaar (Big Sam) was called to his eternal resting place on March 26, 2017. Sam was born in Patterson New Jersey on May 20, 1923. He is survived by his wife, Pat, who he married in 1946 at Hope Reformed Church in Clifton, NJ. They... View Obituary & Service Information