Erhard Opp

EJ “Hap” Opp, formerly of Wood River, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Services will be held at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 30th, with Derek Apfel officiating. Inurnment and military honors to follow at the Wood River Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29th, from 5-7 PM at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island.

EJ was born to Frederick (Fritz) and Hazel (Lilienthal) Opp on November 8, 1944, in Wood River. He received his education in Wood River, graduating in 1963. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve as a Seabee. During his active-duty service, he was stationed at Naval Base Argentia in Newfoundland, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and MCB 58 in West Virginia, where he was deployed to Red Beach, Vietnam.

After Vietnam, EJ transferred to the in-active Navy Reserve as a 1st Class Builder. He attended Milford Technical School and married Marilyn Jean Tagel of Ewing on April 20, 1968. After graduation, they moved to Beatrice, where EJ worked as a draftsman.

Later, EJ rejoined the active Navy Reserve and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer attached to Reserve Center in Lincoln. Over his 28 years, one of his notable accomplishments was overseeing the unit responsible for mounting six military jets at airports and bases across Nebraska. The first plane is displayed at the United Veterans Club in GI, and the last at Hastings Airport. EJ was also instrumental in establishing the MCB 15 New Reserve Center, which was commissioned on May 18, 1985, in Lincoln. As a founding member, he is honored as a Plank Owner of this unit. He participated in the first Hall County Hero Flight for Vietnam Veterans. Throughout his 32 years of Navy service, he received numerous honors and awards, including 2 Navy Achievement Medals.

In addition to his military service, EJ founded Opp Construction, and the family relocated back to Wood River. He built and remodeled numerous homes, garages, and offices across Nebraska. While living in Wood River, he was also a dedicated volunteer firefighter and a long-standing member of American Legion Post 314 in Wood River, honored for 50 years of continuous membership.

In November 2023, EJ moved to the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. He enjoyed participating in the woodworking shop, winning the Pinewood Derby last year with a model car modeled after the “Seabee”. On his 81st birthday, he was presented with an official Quilt of Valor by the Grand Island Quilt of Valor Society.

EJ’s patriotic legacy continues through his family, including his son Joe “Scott” (retired USN) and grandsons Aaron, Logan, and Landon, all active duty members of the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Opp and April Opp of Grand Island; son Joseph “Scott” Opp of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Logan, Landon, Macy Opp, Aaron (Jana) Leonard, Tiffany Leonard, and Aspen Opp; great-grandchildren Braelyn Novak, Alana, and Zane Opp; brothers Leo (Carol) and Ervin (Barbara); sister Anna Wood; numerous nieces and nephews. EJ was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn (Jeanne), sister Dixie, and granddaughter Amber.

Memorial donations are suggested to the American Legion Post 314.