Remembering John Oberpriller
John Oberpriller, retired Professor of Anatomy, died Jan. 4, 2015 in Eagan, Minn., with his family by his side. He was 79. 
He was born in St. Croix Falls, Wisc., and raised in Newport, Minn. He received his BA in biology from St. John’s University, his master’s degree in zoology from the University of Illinois, and earned his graduate degree at Tulane University, where he met his future wife Jean.
John was genuinely interested in everyone and everything around him, a natural inquisitor. He was a naturalist; an avid fisherman, bird-watcher, rose hybridizer, sailor, and woodcarver. He brought people together with masterful social skills.
“Dr. John” was an integral part of the UND Medical School for 30 years as a Professor of Anatomy. He was a mentor, keeper of the director’s gene, and supreme button-pusher.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean, also a Professor of Anatomy at UND. He is survived by his son David (Marni) of St. Paul Minn., daughter Marianne (Tom) of Apple Valley Minn., 5 loving grandchildren Michael, Nick, Zack, Lillian, and Giselle, and many close friends and colleagues.
A memorial service and celebration of John’s life will be held at 2 p.m., with visitation at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan 11, 2015, at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 147th and Garrett Ave., Apple Valley MN. Private interment will be at Saint John’s Abbey Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Sigma Xi (Grants-in-Aid of Research program).