Rodney Oppriecht
May 17, 1938 - November 10, 2019

"Mr O' (as we called him) was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He was the Director of many plays I participated in. His wit and energy were the glue to the cast and crew, and we all loved being under his guidance! His laugh could be heard resounding in the auditorium during practices as he kept us on task. Sorry I was out of town for his funeral. Would've liked to pay homage to this very good man! "

"I just learned of the passing of Mr. Opriecht. I?m 56 years old and vividly remember my first day of theatre arts class in high school?I was crouched down on the back of another crouching student?once we were in position Mr. O told us we were each of scoop of ice cream that had fallen off the cone onto the sidewalk?so many people with so many memories of this wonderful creative man. I?m sure he touched thousands of students lives?in big and small ways. My heart felt condolences to his husband and family. Nancy Etnier Bukovic"

"What an amazing teacher who taught so much more than a prescribed curriculum. He taught us to embrace our uniqueness, to spread our wings and fly, and how to find our confidence and creativity. We stretched our imaginations and dug deep for him. Mr. O, you will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all the people whose lives you've touched over the years. Our deepest condolences to Carl and family. "

"Carl, my condolences to you and Rod's family on his passing. I pray that all of you will be comforted by knowing that he is in a far better place than this fallen world. God Bless you all, peace, Tom Hamilton."

"After checking out our muddled tribute to you Rod? This is your first opportunity to make a comment about our lack of technical ability. I can hear you now. Haha But U get the idea. We love you and will always hold you close."

"Let it be said...aside from all the wonderful attributes as a teacher....as a friend .... there waOf course we know that you are looking down on us checking everything out with a comment or two!s never a dull moment with Rod. Fun and Laughter in abundance!! We will miss you, our precious Rod. Of course we know that you are looking down on us checking everything out with a comment or two!"

"On the behalf of the Kent McMillan family we would like to give our heartfelt condolences. In 1989 my father Kent was dying from cancer and Rod and Norene assisted us through our grief while they volunteered through Winona Hospice. I thank Rod and Norene very much who we became good friends even after my Dad passed. God bless you Rod thank you for your loving care my family and I couldn't of done it without you and your wife. Thanks, Tony McMillan & Family"

"Rod was a wonderful person we feel honored to have known him as a good friend. He was a great asset to our home here at Willow Brook and will be for sure missed. Rod & Carl were wonderful addition to our family here. Rest In Peace Rod. Kent & Dawn "

"Mr O was such a special educator. He not only taught the typical academic materials, he also taught us all how to be better people. He encouraged us to try things outside of our comfort zone. I have often said that some of my fondest memories are the play practices and performances. Mr. O was able to take a bunch of kids and make them a family. We all came from different backgrounds, talents and experiences, yet he treated us all like we were the most important person in the play. You will be directing plays and musicals in heaven Mr. O. "

"His laughter filled a room and his music brought so much happiness. My favorite childhood memories of my wonderful Uncle Rod are with him sitting at the piano belting out a song. What a wonderful man who squeezed so much joy out of life. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Gretchen, Jennifer, Mitch and Carl. Jan Mallon"

"One of the best instructors I have ever had. I will remember his speech class at WSU forever. Every time I pick up a mic for a speech or to sing, I will always remember the confidence he helped me find. Farewell to a beautiful soul. ~terrie b~"

"I am so sorry for your loss. Jenny Besek Ruppert"

"I am sad to hear of the passing of ?Mr. O.? We have precious few people in our lives whose deep impact forms and shapes who we are. Even though time and distance created barriers in our relationship, Mr. O was one of those people for me. He was my teacher, mentor and friend. His gentle way and steadfast encouragement will not be forgotten. Among the many memories I have there are a few that stand out. The first reminds me of his sense of whimsy and joy for life. One summer day, several years after I graduated from high school, I encountered Noreen and Rod on their bicycles in downtown Winona. In their baskets were loaves of French bread, cheese and a bottle of wine. I asked Rod what they were up to. ? We are on a European vacation,? he replied. Years later, I decided to visit him in his home along the river. He was so excited to share Carl with me, as his life continued to be filled with his tremendous capacity to love. The last memory I will share is perhaps my favorite. It was at the reception for my mother?s funeral. Rod and Carl attended. At the reception Mr. O came up to embrace me and offer his condolences. Then he looked me in the eye and said, ?Do you mind if I kiss you?? This straight white male was not sure what to say but I did not have time to react before he planted a big kiss on my lips. Mr. O meant many things to me. My life is blessed to have shared a small part of his. On the day of my mother?s funeral three years ago he left me with one last expression from his heart. I will cherish it forever. Arne Bergland"

"A teacher of excellence, Rod was my mentor as a rookie teacher at WHS. His energy, wit and imagination were always balanced with organization, honesty and compassion. Rod leaves a legacy of service to his community and an invaluable zest for life to all who were privileged to know him. Our condolences to Carl, Gretchen, Mitchell, Jennifer and families. Steve and Char Juaire"

"Mr. Oppriecht inspired me every day in his class. What a beautiful person and amazing teacher. He influenced me in so many ways and guided me to go into a career of communications. I thank him for that, and for the privilege of knowing him. "

"Oh, Mr. O... I remember him as one of the most influential teachers I've ever had--and I've had a great number of them. What a testament to Mr. O's professional career to have had such an impact on so many lives. His ability to make high school students actually feel 'comfortable' while giving a speech was so helpful and reassuring. His respect for us and encouraging words definitely calmed our nerves. He would 'lock-in/tune-in/focus-on' students and make them feel confident in public speaking. This skill set launched him into great teacher status!! Of course, he also was intelligent, passionate, talented and incredibly student centered in his teaching. And after 42 years, I still remember how I felt being in his class: Lucky Me! Oh, Mr. O and the theater... He spent so much over-time on stage with so many aspiring young actors and actresses. I played in the pit orchestra during the late 70's for a number of WHS musicals. Everyone worked hard, but what I remember most was how much fun we had. Mr. O was a funny guy! His personality was so engaging. He stayed 'present' in his role as director (and teacher). He definitely had high standards for excellence, but balanced this with a strong sense of humor. What a fun and funny guy...even his eyes laughed when he smiled and laughed. I only knew a small (albeit important) part of Mr. O's life. I am sure his personal life was as full and successful as his professional life. To Mr. O's family: Thank you for sharing your Dad/Gpa/Husband with so many other people. You are very lucky to have had him in your lives for such a long time. May your memories of Mr. O be as positive and comforting to you as they are to me. To Mr. O: You lived an awesome life. Thank you for being you! You deserve to rest in peace!! Sally (Krause) Sertich -- Class of '77"

"I was blessed to have Mr. O as my theater arts teacher, as well as was in many plays that he directed in high school. He had a zest for life that was amazing! Definitely one of my favorite teachers, and a wonderful human being! Hope he is dancing in heaven, and playing that ragtime on his piano!"

"He was a phenomenal teacher...one of my favorites...I attribute my poetry skills today, from his teaching of yesterday. Sending deep sympathy to all of his family and friends. Heaven gained a very joyful, talented angel. Shayna (Lubinski) Dais ~ Class of ?76"

"I loved Mr O and took every class I could with him as well as being involved in theatre at Winona High School. I can still hear him sing and play ?Misty? on the piano and it brings a smile every time. He wrote our family the most endearing card after my mom Mary Bergland died and I cherish it still. My sincere sympathies to his loving family and know that Mr O made a huge difference on my life.??? Tina Bergland Fahnestock "

"Rodney was a fascinating person with many many talents. His music at the Wingdam, his theatre work, being the King in The King and I, taking the hospice training way back 30 years ago, when hospice was an "idea" in Winona, a fellow reading junkie, who was always a great source of inspiration for ideas for books to read. Enjoyed many visits with Rod and Carl at the coffee houses. He left "his mark" on the world, and created inspiration for his many students and also for his friends. We all just want to make a difference - I think he did....... and we are all the better for knowing him."

"Rodney was my speech teacher in high school. I was a very shy and introverted student and he helped me to be able to express myself in a public forum. In the last 10 years, I got to be friends with him and his husband Carl. It was always great to run into them. He will be missed. My thoughts and condolences to all the family and friends."

"It was an honor to know such a wonderful man. "

"Rodney was such an inspiration to me, and, to this day, I actually remember some of his lessons that he taught at West Salem High School. He was one fantastic man who comes along only once in a lifetime!"

"Sending our condolences to the family. He was one of my favorite teacher?s at Winona Sr.High school. RIP?"

"Rodney was my favorite teacher at West Salem High. I babysat for his daughter and they lived 4 houses away. He was a wonderful teacher and a very understanding man. My prayers are with his family."

"I remember Mr. O coming into our church for services every time i was there .He always was with his partner, Mr. Sandquist, and they had their favorite spots too. Both were very nice gentlemen. He will be missed."

"My most sincere condolences to all family for your loss. Rod was a true friend for years to my dad and I was fortunate to have known him as a teacher and as a wonderful person. Be well in these difficult times. "

"My favorite teacher in high school. He loved all students and they loved him. My condolences. Know that he left a legacy and memories students will never forget."

"My thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr "O" was a great teacher and made you feel part of great group. Thanks for the memories. Danielle Noeske "

"Rod will be missed by all who knew him and admired his love for life and for others. He had given to others the true gift of himself . Judy Davis"

"Rod and Norene were an elegant couple dancing at their daughter's wedding, happy sharing good times with friends and so full of life. I know their children have many happy memories. He enjoyed sharing his talent in plays such as My Shana Medel. Rest in peace."

"He was the greatest teacher I ever had. He gave me so much, confidence and empowerment. He also seemed to really like me. I know many other students felt the same. He made us all feel special. In my adult career I thought of him often. He gave me so many tools to succeed. He is irreplaceable. "

""Mr. O." was my high school drama teacher. Adolescent life is full of trials, trauma and drama. Mr. O. was the adult who listened and cared. He was the teacher that students remembered. Mr. O. was a dear man and a wonderful teacher. He shall be missed."

"I met Rodney at First Congregational Church. He loved listening to us sing in the choir. Asked by many to join us, he always replied with "no, thank you, I so enjoy listening to everyone else sing." Prayers to all for God's comfort. "

"betty lemler Rodney was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren. I met Rodney at many birthday parties for our shared grandchildren-Colton and hanna. our condolences to the family."

"Rodney brought joy to every room he entered by paying attention and seeing each individual?s humanness. He had a wit and humor that delighted. I feel so honored to have known him."

"He will always be my favorite piano player and my favorite memory is when playing at the Paddlewheel and singing with the most gusto to get the crowd singing with you is a memory I cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you Gretchen, Jen, Mitch, Lukas and Lara"

"I so enjoyed our conversations."