Lyle Arthur Opperman

Lyle Arthur Opperman, age 90, of Baraboo, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital. 

Lyle, the second son of Arthur E. and Iola M. (Trussell) Opperman, was born on May 16, 1935, in Baraboo. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1953. Lyle married Wadena Lipke on July 14, 1956, in a double wedding with one of her sisters. Together, they had three children: Mary Carol, Beth Ann and Eric Arthur. 

Lyle worked as an electrician for Hill Electric and Peterson Electric. He also served with the Red Arrow unit of the Wisconsin National Guard. He was called to active duty in May of 1961, where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA during the Berlin Crisis. He was a member of the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club and served on the Walnut Hill Cemetery Board. Lyle had a lifelong interest in old farm equipment and antique wrenches. He enjoyed gardening (both flowers and vegetables), visiting flea and farmers markets looking for bargains, feeding and watching birds and woodworking.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Wadena; children, Beth (George II) Cloud of Posen, IL, and Eric (Jessie) Opperman of Jefferson City, MO; grandchildren, George (Lori) Cloud III, Lauren (Paul) Neumann, Alyssa Cloud; great-grandchildren, Eric and Oliver (Cloud), Nathan, Jackson and Hannah (Neumann); brother and sister, Lowell (Donna) Opperman and Shirley Maas; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, good friends and a bunch of grand-dogs.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Opperman; brother, Richard (Diane) Opperman and brother-in-law, Philip Maas. 

His children wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the following for their help with Lyle’s care:  Fauhn Breunig (deceased), Butch Opperman, Gayle Maerz, the Doctors and Staff at St. Clare’s and Our House Senior Living.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club.