Attica - Bonnie Lea (Fishel) Opperman, 83, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 9:40 a.m.,  following her illness with ALS.

Bonnie Lea Opperman was born October 10, 1937 in Monticello, IN to Edward and Frances Fishel. She spent her early childhood in Brown County, IN.  In 1948 she moved with her mother and siblings to Independence, IN. Bonnie was part of the first class that began the new Pine Village High School in 1952. During that time she often saw a young man driving through Independence-Don Opperman. After their first date of watching "House of Wax" starring Vincent Price at the Devon Theater, they became inseparable.

From this marriage to Don on Sept. 11, 1954 they were blessed with four children:  Suzanne (Bruce) Clinton, Debbie (Rick) Bixler, Warren (Barb) Opperman and DeNelda (Colin) Niemiec.

Grandchildren: Chris Goetz, Cara (Jason) Terreri, Josh (Kathy) Bixler, Joni (Brent) Sly, Lauren, Kyle and Justin Opperman, Rachel and Nathan Niemiec and 11 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a sister, Nellie (Rich) Wilfenger along with a brother, James (friend-Sarah) Fishel.

The first year of Bonnie and Don's marriage they began attending auctions. In 1971 she opened an antique shop, "Bonnie's Bygones" coined by Don. Over the years in addition to raising four children and helping to raise grandchildren, Bonnie helped Don with farming and worked as a matron for Attica Elementary where she established lifelong friendships with staff and students. In 1976 they purchased and restored the Odell home outside of Attica. In 2002 they began wintering in Florida, sold the Odell home and purchased a more modern home in Florida and a mid-century modern home in Attica. The Attica home needed restoring so Bonnie and handyman Don got to work. After simplifying life and homes, Bonnie and Don enjoyed traveling, playing Texas Hold'em with friends and as always, going to garage sales and auctions.

Bonnie also spent several years volunteering alongside the wonderful team at the ASK food pantry where many more friendships evolved.

Bonnie had a deep faith and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Independence. Preceding Bonnie in death is a beloved daughter, Debbie, sister Nancy and brother Robert.

A memorial gravesite service will be held in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica, on Friday, August 27th at 11:00 a.m. with family and friends sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Attica Food Pantry/ASK.

Bonnie Opperman video