Don was born with his identical triplet brothers, initially named Mr. "A", Mr. "B", and Mr. "C" on October 10, 1958, at the Florence Crittenton Home in Sioux City, Iowa. The healthy boys were born three minutes apart. Don and Dave weighed 3 lb., 4 oz., while Dave weighed 3 lb., 3 oz.
One month later they were adopted by May and George Opperman of Manning, Iowa, making them the first adopted triplets on record. They joined a sister, Mary and a brother, Tom, ages 4 and 2, respectively, who were also adopted from the same home. The triplets were given the names Donald, David, and Douglas.

Don attended Manning Community Schools and graduated from Manning High School in 1977.

Don died October 26, 2021, at Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

He is survived by his mother May Opperman of Beloit Wisconsin; his sister Mary Opperman of Prineville, Oregon; his brothers, Tom Opperman (Rose) of Norwalk, Iowa; Mike Opperman (Kelly) of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; and nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are Don's triplet brothers, Doug and David Opperman, and his father George Opperman. A post Don made on his social media site: I have been blessed with loving friends. My time here is limited. I'm hoping to make it through October.
I am in no pain with kidney failure but its just a matter of time. I look forward to the Eternal Light I experienced when I went overboard in the Bering Sea in 1990.
I've learned that love is the most powerful meaning of our lives.