Red Hook – August William (Willie) Oepen, Jr., 81, a resident of Red Hook and Holmes, died on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.
Willie was born on October 16, 1930 in Poughkeepsie, the son of the late August Oepen, Sr. and Kathleen (Cunningham) Oepen. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Willie worked for IBM, Poughkeepsie for 15 years before going into the construction business as Oepen Construction in Dutchess County for many years. He also was a bus driver for Arlington Schools for 10 years before retiring.
Mr. Oepen spent many of his summers and his retirement years at his beloved cottage that his grandfather built on Whaley Lake in Holmes. Nothing pleased him more then the many visits of family and friends over the years.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Marilyn L. Oepen, of Red Hook; his sons, Thomas Oepen (Sia) of Poughquag, Robert Oepen (Christine) of Clearwater, FL, August William Oepen, III, of Shallotte, NC, Donald Oepen (Kim) of Lake Wylie, SC, Matthew Badger (Joanne) of Hyde Park, Raven James (Ken) of Manhattan, IL, and Andrew Badger (Nancy) of Hopewell Junction; 14 grandchildren, 7 great–grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by his sisters: Alice Oestrike of Holmes and Catharina Jones of Avenel, NJ. In addition to his parents, Willie was predeceased by a grandson, Bradley William Oepen.
In keeping with Willie's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours. Burial of his ashes will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc.
For online condolences, please visit Willie's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.