David Ray Oppliger of Columbus Nebraska, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 77.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m., followed by sharing of memories at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with Father Jacob Chindo celebrating. Following the service, Military Honors will be conducted at the church by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Interment will be in the Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Baseball program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation or to the donor’s choice.

Dave was born September 8, 1948, in Columbus to Marvin and Colletta (Miller) Oppliger. He attended Platte County District #9 and Columbus Public Schools, graduating in 1967. He was a member of the first Columbus High Wrestling team, ran cross country and played baseball.

On May 28, 1971, he was united in marriage to Sue Bullock at St. Bonaventure Church. He worked at Larson Florine, Tweet’s Sports Shop and Douglas & Lomason before serving as the Platte County Veteran’s Service Officer for fifteen years until his retirement in 2011.

He served in the Army Reserves for twenty-eight years, retiring as Master Sergeant. His Unit was deployed during Desert Storm.

Dave was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jaycees and American Legion Hartman Post 84, where he served as 2nd Vice Commander. He was a member of the Honor Guard for 20 years, rendering honors for approximately 1000 Veterans.

Dave was a sports enthusiast; he loved to play, watch, read about, coach or attend almost any sport. The ball field was his favorite place to be. He played baseball from Little League through American Legion. Next came softball; fast pitch, slow pitch, over 35 and coed ball. He coached several of Abby’s sports teams and was a Master Softball Umpire for several years.

His travels usually included attending or playing sports. One goal was to attend games at all of the Major League Baseball stadiums. This accomplishment was celebrated at the Washington Nationals Park with family and friends in September 2024. Retirement also provided him the opportunity to golf more. Until his health prevented it, he golfed several times most weeks and attended the Masters, Ryders Cup and Phoenix Waste Management Open.

He enjoyed lake life; boating, four-wheeling, feeding the catfish and hosting family and friends especially at Thanksgiving and 4th of July. He also made many great memories traveling with friends and family and visiting California where he enjoyed spending time with Abby and her family plus other relatives.

Dave is survived by:

Wife: Sue

Son: BJ

Daughter: Abby (Mike)

Grandsons: Broderick and Maxson Sauser

Sister: Mary Nason

Brother: Steve (Debra)

Brother: Greg (Linda)

Brother and sister-in-law: Jay and Sara Bullock

Nephews & Nieces: Anna (Ricky) Bullock, Sam Bullock, Michelle (Jerod) Cromwell, Chris (Samantha) Fairbairn, Liz (Wade) Fluckey, Emily (Mike) Oppliger, Kyle Oppliger, Molly (Jenna) Oppliger, Stephanie Oppliger, Stephen Paul (Brandy) Oppliger, Nathan Putman, Lindsay (Kyle) Zimmer Aunt: Marilyn (Robert) Serfass

14 great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins

Dave was preceded in death by:

Parents: Marvin and Colletta Oppliger

Father and Mother-in-law: Jim and Jackie Bullock

Son-in-law: Mike Sauser

Sister and Brother-in-law: Nancy and Bill Putman

Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins