Watch Doris' Funeral

Doris Mae (Wagner) Opsahl, age 87, of Ulen, MN, died Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.

Doris was born August 8, 1933, at home in Ulen Township, to Alice Hartwig. She was the oldest of nine children of Wilbur "Bill" and Alice (Hartwig) Wagner. They lived on a farm, near Syre, MN, where she attended country school, followed by public school in Ulen.

Doris grew up using a kerosene cook stove, gas lamps, milking cows, raising geese, and tending to her siblings. Her mother died suddenly in 1958. Doris taught her siblings how to cook and care for themselves. She was of strong faith, which was a great comfort to her through many health setbacks in life.

Doris was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ulen. On November 13, 1954, Doris was united in marriage at Calvary Church to the love of her life, Ludvig "Ludy" Opsahl, of Twin Valley, MN. They lived near Syre, where they raised 5 children. Doris and Ludy attained their GED's in 1985. In 2003, Ludy and Doris moved to Lincoln Terrace, Twin Valley. Ludy passed away September 2003. When Lincoln Terrace closed, she moved to Eventide at Fairmont, Moorhead. Doris has made her home since March of 2018 at the Viking Manor Nursing Home.

Doris was a homemaker and for a brief time sold Fuller Brush products. She was a member of Calvary Church, their Ladies Aid, and taught Sunday School for over 20 years. She was also a member of the Ulen VFW Auxiliary.

She enjoyed playing cards, cooking, baking, sewing, crafts, gardening, and helping others. She was known for her "green thumb", reviving people's plants. She also made over 100 memory boxes for family and friends. She loved wearing many beautifully decorated hats. Doris enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Doris is survived by her son, Loyal Opsahl of Fargo, ND; four daughters: Lonnie (Amos) LaPort of Twin Valley, Doreen (Dwight) Gwin of Hawley, DesaRae Opsahl of Moorhead, and Maureen "Mo" (Jim Nelson) Opsahl of Thief River Falls; 9 grandchildren: Sarah LaPort, Kayla (Peter) Skroch, Nathan (Sarah) LaPort, Craig Gwin, Tanner (Jean) Gwin, Richard (Dr. Ruvi) Wright, Robert (Kara) Wright, Amanda (Devin) Schmidt, and David (Rani) Nelson; seven plus great-grandchildren: Winston, Gwenyth, Rory, and Quade Wright, Aubree Schmidt, Ryken and Rhett Nelson, and baby girl Skroch, due in November; four sisters: Evelyn (Loren) Halstad of Hawley, Kathryn (Duane) Fuglie of Ulen, Bonnie (Bo) Boehning of Moorhead, and Marlene Stern of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; one great-granddaughter: Arlene Schmidt; four brothers and sister-in-law: Raymond, Edwin (Mavis), Leroy, and Lowell; two sister-in-laws and two brothers-in-laws, Irene (Truman) Opheim, and Elna (Lawrence) Thorson.

An outdoor graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Calvary Ev. Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen by Pastor John E. Merseth, Sr. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the cemetery. Burial will follow the service. FM radio will be available, if you would like to remain in your vehicles.

All are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a chair. Following all COVID-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to attend. Masks will be available if needed.