Raymond Opperud

Raymond "Ray" Joseph Opperud, 91, of Crookston, MN went home to be with the Lord Thursday January 5, 2012, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Ray was born to Olaf and Stella (Patenaude) Opperud on May 20, 1920 in Bemidji, MN. He was a 1940 graduate of Central High School in Crookston, MN and was active in Track and Football, developing the nickname "Oppy." In 1939, Ray enlisted in the United States Army where he held the title of Sergeant. He served in World War II and was stationed in the Philippines. Ray met the love of his life, Gladys Meine and they were united in marriage on May 6, 1950. Following Ray's honorable discharge from the military in 1946, he held a number of jobs, always working hard to provide for his family. Ray started his career by working at Crookston Granite Company and later owned and operated Crookston Monumental Sales with his father. He also served as a Postal Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Crookston and worked and retired as an assistant chemist with American Crystal. Ray also owned and operated Grandview Grocery with his wife and children. Ray was an active member of the Crookston community by serving as the VFW Post 1902 Commander from 1966-1967, where he was a life member. He was also a life member of the DAV and a current member of the American Legion. He left his mark by helping in building the new Wesley United Methodist Church, which he was very proud of. He worked hard to ensure the building was handicapped accessible and would accommodate everyone in the community. He was also an active board member of the church as well as a part of the "United Methodist Men."

Ray was a family man who enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping with his family, and in his retirement years, enjoyed deer hunting with his daughter Bonnie and her family. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed the beauty that God created. He was awarded the "Best Father," "Best Grandfather," and "Best Great-grandfather" award by his family. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Gladys (Meine) Opperud; nine children, Allan (Deb) Opperud of Beijing, China, Julie (Gary) Krueger of Fosston, MN, Bonnie (Frank) Pahlen, of Red Lake Falls, MN, Diane (Jody) Domier of Colorado Springs, CO, Gary (Mary) Opperud of Blaine, MN, Rose (Tony) Borslien of West Fargo, ND, Curtis Opperud of Minneapolis, MN, Mary Jo (Brian) Halos of Crookston, and Lynette Woolever of Crookston. He was a loving grandfather to 27 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind four sisters, Alice Johnson of Grand Forks, ND, LaVaun Swanson of Grand Forks, Gloria (Gordy) Oihus of Oregon, and Eleanor (Luther) Ness of Mesa, AZ; and one brother-in-law, Arnie Hoffe. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Olaf and Stella (Patenaude) Opperud; sister, Mary Lou Hoffe; his brother, Lloyd Opperud; sister-in-law Isabelle Opperud; and brother-in-laws Lyle Kansanback, Earl Johnson, and Ed Swanson; and great-granddaughter Kassandra Hedland. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home. A funeral service to celebrate Ray's life will be held Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be provided by the Honors Unit of the Minnesota National Guard Moorhead, MN and the Crookston Veterans Council. Interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery immediately following the service.

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Previous Events

Visitation
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Service
Monday, January 9, 2012
cemetery
Monday, January 9, 2012