Mary Oppegard, age 65, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Naytahwaush, MN, died in her home on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Mary K Oppegard was born August 27, 1952, in White Earth, MN, the daughter of Hawken and Gertrude (Antell) Oppegard.  She was raised near Lengby, MN, where she attended school.  As a young woman, Mary worked in the Minneapolis, MN, area where she met Randy Miller.  Upon her marriage to Randy, they made their home in the Minneapolis, MN, area for several years.  Following their divorce, Mary moved to the Naytahwaush community to make her home.  In 1979, she married Gerard Thompson and they made their home in Devils Lake.  In the late 1980's, Mary once again returned to the White Earth Reservation.  Due to failing health, she moved back to Devils Lake to be near family and has lived with her son, Randy, for the past two years.

Over the years, Mary has had her share of trials and tribulations but also has had great accomplishments and happiness.  She received her GED and continued her education at Bemidji State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree.  Mary was employed by the Shooting Star Casino as a Blackjack Dealer from 1999 to 2006.  She also worked as a rehab councilor for a few years for the White Earth Nation.

Mary was an excellent cook and was known for her fry bread.  She was not afraid of hard work and spent countless hours ricing, leeching, and helping at many community functions.  She will live on forever in the hearts of many.

Mary is survived by two sons, Randy Jr. (Athelia) Miller and Oscar Oppegard both of Devils Lakes, ND; five daughters: Jodi Kjolberg, Minneapolis, MN, Yolande Thompson, Devils Lakes, ND, Angela Thompson, Naytahwaush, MN, Sarah Thompson, Greenville, IL, and Maggie Oppegard, St. Michael, ND; three brothers: Oscar "Sunfish", Allan and Thomas all of Naytahwaush, six sisters: Nona Townsend, Roy Lake, MN, Susan Zornes, Bemidji, MN, Gwen Sargent, Ruth Stech and Roberta Oppegard, and Lyda (Peter) Cannon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant child, one grandchild; one great-grandson; three brothers and one sister.

A Traditional Native American Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush, MN.  An all-night wake will begin Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 5:00pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.  Burial will be in the Island Lake Cemetery, rural Lengby, MN.