Michael Oppegard, age 51, of Rice Lake Village, MN, died on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the Sanford Medical Center in Bagley, MN.

Michael Gene Oppegard was born February 7, 1963, to Ann Oppegard. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Oscar and Gertrude Oppegard in Lengby, MN. In 1981, Mike graduated from Mahnomen High School and entered the United States Navy. Following his service, he returned to the Mahnomen area. He worked as a carpenter for a time and attended tech school for carpentry. Due to an injury, he was unable to finish his schooling. Mike was employed at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen as a lead in the Buffet until 1994. He and his family moved to Minneapolis, MN, where Mike worked in the lumberyard at Menards and a few other retail positions. In 2000, Mike returned to the reservation and he and Patty Stevens have made their home together in Rice Lake for the past several years.

Mike loved to be outdoors and was especially known for riding his bike. He would often bike for miles. Over 25 years ago, Mike was taught to finish wild rice and was a known expert in the field. He greatly enjoyed finishing with his brother, Sunfish. Mike had a great personality and opened his life to everyone. He was tenderly referred to "Grandpa Mike" by all the area kids. He was a father figure to the DeGroat family: Cathy, Connie, Carol, Candice, Corine, Donnie, Douglas, and Dion and always considered himself grandpa to their children. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all.

Mike is survived by his significant other, Patty of Rice Lake; one daughter, Jennifer (Eric Greene) Oppegard of Naytahwaush; two sons, Richard Littlewolf of Fargo, ND, and Michael "Mikey" Oppegard Jr. of Mahnomen; Patty's children: Stephen Stevens, Tessa Stevens, Rachel Stevens, Lucas Stevens, Jenna Stevens and Emily Stevens; four brothers: Jonathan Townsend, Oscar "Sunfish" Oppegard Jr., Alan Oppegard, and Thomas Oppegard; eight sisters: Margaret Townsend, Nona Townsend, Susan Zornes, Mary Oppegard, Gwen Sargent, Robert Oppegard, Ruth Stech and Lyda Cannon; 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother; his grandparents; a son, William Littlewolf; two brothers, Simon and Joseph; a grandson, Sebastian Bevins; and three nephews: Sonny Townsend, Jordan Oppegard, and Tyler Townsend.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the Rice Lake Community Center in Rice Lake. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Thursday and continue until the funeral on Friday at the Center. Burial will be in the Naytahwaush Traditional Burial Grounds in the spring.