Rex O'Neil Opheim
RONAN — Rex O'Neil Opheim, 79, died Oct. 22, 2005, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan following a lengthy illness.
Born to Norris and Lilah (Hoverson) Opheim on Jan. 6, 1926, in Great Falls, he was raised and educated in Opheim and graduated with honors from Opheim High School.
He entered the Army at the age of 18 and became a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 310th Infantry Division, 78th Division. While in the European Theatre of Operations his infantry unit received the 3rd Battalion, 310th Infantry Citation, "The Presidential Citation." The award cited their exemplary courage, spirit and devotion against enemy resistance force while assisting in securing the Kretzhaus and Kallenbom road junction, which controlled eight roads and a railway line covering the Remagen Bridge.
He was wounded three times before reaching the age of 20 and received the Purple Heart, pins and other awards.
His commitment to staying steadfast and strong no matter the situation was also exemplary in his providing for his loving wife, Jody, for 59 years and their family. He truly will be missed.
Rex always showed an appreciation to good friends, loved to sing, dance and entertained many people throughout his life. Many times, if things needed picking up he would strike up a song or tell his favorite jokes to get the "social event" going and encircle everyone into enjoying the moment "and a few who didn't."
He was reared hard, worked harder, and relaxing was very difficult for him. For those of us who lo love him, this was always accepted and understood.
Preceding him in death were his mother; his sister, Mavis; his father and brother Ben.
He is survived by his wife, Jody; sons, Jerry of Billings, Jim of Glasgow, Mike of Kalispell, Berney of Missoula; daughter Loni of Casper, Wyo.; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with a couple little ones on the way.
Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan is assisting in the arrangement of cremation at his request. A memorial service will take place during the spring of 2006 in Opheim.