Source: News-Journal, Thursday, August 20, 1953

Isaac Oppenheim (1869-1953)

 Isaac Oppenheim Rites Wednesday
Death Monday Follows Several Weeks Illness

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock for Isaac Oppenheim in his residence at 402 West Second Street. Rabbi Frederic Doppelt of Fort Wayne conducted the service, and the Rev. R.H. Miller of North Manchester spoke appreciatively of the career and civic interest of Mr. Oppenheim in this community.

Rabbi Doppelt's address was composed of beautifully chosen words and phrases. Following Dr. Miller's eulogy, Rabbi Doppelt said that it was well for a community to appreciate its citizens, and compared Mr. Oppenheim's life to the light which burns above the ark in their temple at Fort Wayne. The ark, he explained is the most holy spot in their temple, and above it burns a dim but eternal light. The dimness, he said, reflected the quiet, gentlemanly nature of Mr. Oppenheim, while its eternal glow reflected the steadfastness and reliability of the deceased.

At the conclusion, it was explained that the commitment would not be made until the ceremony at New York where interment is to be made in a mausoleum in the Salem Fields cemetery. Leaving Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon, the body was accompanied by Mrs. Oppenheim, Mrs. Ida Flonacher, and Lawrence Levy of Fort Wayne. Mr. Oppenheim was a member of the Achduth Vesholam congregation at Fort Wayne.

Mr. Oppenheim died about 2:10 o'clock Monday afternoon after an illness of several weeks. For three weeks during May he was in a Fort Wayne hospital and was confined to his home after his return. He was past 84 years of age, having been born March 8, 1869, at Detroit, the son of Jacob and Pauline (Goldman) Oppenheim. The family came to North Manchester in 1875 when the father established a store.

Mr. Oppenheim entered the store at the age of 14½ years when the father died and a brother, Ben, became the manager. He bought a half interest in the B. Oppenheim & Co. store in January, 1889, and continued as a partner until he retired from the store in January, 1921. He then became a wholesale jobber in clothing.

February 14, 1894, Mr. Oppenheim and Miss Etta Herff were married at Wabash. Mr. Oppenheim was a member of the North Manchester Board of Education for 15 years, and was president of the board when the present high school was erected. He also was a member of the building committee for the local public library.

Survivors include the wife and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Flonacher and Miss Fanny Oppenheim.