Claus Opperman was born in Thelen, Schleswig Holstein, Germany, on December 17, 1833. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Margaret Greue. Ten children were born to them, three preceding the father in death. His wife died March 17, 1904.

In 1873 he and his family came to America, settling in Davenport where he lived a year. From there he moved to Clinton where they lived for five years. He then moved to the vicinity of Manning where he lived, with the exception of three years in South Dakota, until his death.

After lingering for months he passed away August 24, aged 87 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Funeral services were held from the M.E. Church August 26 and internment made in the Manning Cemetery.

To mourn him are his children, John, Annie Karstens, Albert and Bertha Vehrs of Manning and Hartwig. Willie and Minnie of Virgil, South Dakota, besides 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.