Julia Gable was active in many Bluffton organizations
Julia A. Gable, 97, died Feb. 2, 2017, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.
Julia was born Aug. 6, 1919, in Hancock County near Garner, Iowa, to the late Otto and Amelia (Katter) Schroer who preceded her in death. On Aug. 6, 1941, she married Rev. Vernon Oppermann and he preceded her in death on July 28, 1958. She then married Karl Gable on Dec. 9, 1965 who preceded her in death on Nov. 21, 2002.
Julia graduated from Hayfield High School in 1936 and was employed at Mission House College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She worked for Dr. F. D. Rodabaugh in Bluffton from 1958 until 1991.
Julia taught catechism and Sunday school. She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ and Emmanuel United Church of Christ both in Bluffton. She was a member of travel class starting in 1944, life member of the Northwest Ohio Regional Women's Guild. Julia volunteered at the Mennonite Memorial Home and the Bluffton Senior Citizens.
Survivors include four sons, Calvin (Wendy) Oppermann of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, James Oppermann of Chesterland, Ohio, Daryl (Beth) Oppermann of Mequon, Wisconsin, Dennis (Joan) Gable of Clyde, Ohio; a daughter, Janis (Gary) Althaus of Brookville, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca Oppermann, Christine Oppermann, Matthew Oppermann, Robert Neta, Robin (Greg) Neta-Voeller, Gretchen Althaus, Heidi (Chuck) Althaus-Fea, Brad (Sarah) Gable, Brent (Katie) Gable, Brian (Leigh) Gable, 10 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Braden and Davis Voeller, Caleb, Hanna and Cameron Fea, Zennon Neta, Grace, Audrey, Zaydin Gable; a sister, Eunice Schoenwetter of Forest City, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Marvin Opperman of St. Mary's, Ohio; two sister-in-laws, Wavalene Opperman of New Knoxville, Ohio, Jeanne Opperman of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Julia was preceded in death by a sister, Leona Niswander and a brother, Orville Schroer.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 16, 2017 at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Pastor Carol Clements officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ or Emmanuel United Church of Christ.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- October 8 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
Monday, October 5, 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Bluffton Fire Dept. extricates passenger following I-75 crash
- Crumrine leads October 8 Watercolor Workshop
- MCHO opportunities to trick or treat, donate candy
- ALA Banned Books Week
- Pirate boys soccer blanked by Celina
- Hancock Public Health confirms measles case in Findlay
- Timeline for October 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show