Richard Fred Opperud II

April 12, 1962 ~ November 24, 2009

Richard Fred Opperud II passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, after suffering an aneurysm 3 weeks earlier.

Rick was a resident of Angleton, and was a distinguished police officer, working for the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department for 17 years. He was also a nationally known K-9 handler and served on the Board of the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association, as well as trainer for countless dog teams.

Having been born into a rice-farming family, Rick learned at an early age the necessity of hard work and family values. Hard work and commitment led to the fulfillment of first, the dream of being a police officer, and most important, Rick becoming a K-9 officer.
Rick was a man of honor, loyalty, and integrity; often looked to for advice by friends and family. His son, Joshua, and daughter, Amber, intend to keep his legacy alive through their own life’s work.

He was a soft, yet strong individual that had many faces to those that loved him. To his children he was a dad they could depend on, in their greatest times of need; to his nieces, he was “Uncle Gorgeous”, a person they could always go to if they needed to laugh or a strong shoulder. To his sister, Rick has been an anchor through many of life’s challenges. To his fellow officers, he was a mentor and friend.

He was preceded in death by his great-parents, Fred and Helen Bieri; grandparents, E.C. Branstetter and Elouise Bieri Opperud; parents, Richard and Connie Opperud; and niece, Ariel Smith.

Rick is survived be his children, Joshua Opperud & wife Pam of Angleton, Amber Kay Opperud of Freeport; grandparent, Mrs. Jessie Branstetter of Angleton; sister, Robbyn Opperud Smith and husband Larry of Angleton; nieces, Meghan Smith of Cy-Fair, TX,
Gabrielle Vesely and husband Jodie of Longview, TX, Emily Smith of Angleton, Shelbi Smith of Angleton; nephews, Jesse Opperud, Jordon Opperud both of Lake Jackson; and great-aunt, Betty Whitaker of Angleton.

Words cannot express the void felt by Rick’s passing. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and community at large.

Rick’s family will welcome visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton. Funeral services will be Monday, November 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds Auditorium, located at 901 S. Downing Road in Angleton. Burial will follow in Angleton Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jesse Arenivas, Louis Baltazar, Ricardo Cruz, Steve DeLaCruz, Ian Paten, Eddie Rodriguez, Larry Smith and Chris Villella.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Brazoria County Sheriff Deputies Association or Houston Hospice (1905 Holcombe, Houston, TX).


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