Opal Beth Burnside, age 89, of Ulen, Minnesota, passed away at 6:32 pm July 30, 2008, at Viking Manor Nursing home in Ulen.

Opal Beth Reidberger was born November 15th, 1918, the daughter of Florian and Verdie (Wylend) Reidberger on a farm near Hawley, Minnesota, where she was raised. Opal was baptized at the Methodist Church in Hawley, and was confirmed at a Methodist church in Moorhead Minnesota. Opal attended grade school at District 50 in Cromwell Township and attended High School in Hawley. Following high school Opal worked for families in Moorhead, doing house work, funeral, then at the Drug Store and Red Owl Grocery store in Hawley.

Opal was united in marriage to John Burnside on April 16, 1939, at the Hawley Methodist Church with a candle-light wedding. The couple made their home on a farm in Keene Township where they farmed for several years. Opal also worked at the Norseman in Hawley and Swifts Turkey plant in Detroit Lakes. Opal and John had seven sons, one died as an infant, and three daughters. They lived in Hawley for a short time, before moving to Ulen, where they made their home for several years. John passed away March 1st, 1995. Opal continued to live in her home until 2002, when she moved in to the Agassiz Apartments. On February 15th, 2008, Opal moved in to the Northern Lights Assisted living. March 18, 2008 Opal entered the Viking Manor Nursing home where she resided until her death.

Opal was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. She was also a member of the Hannah Circle and Bible Study. Opal did volunteer work at the Viking Manor. Opal loved making quilts and baby quilts for her grandkids and great-grandchildren. She also made several pillows, stuffed animals, and a lot of other craft items which she sold at craft shows over the years. Opal loved her scrap books and photo albums and her diary which she kept since the 1960's. Opal also enjoyed baking. She was known as 'Grandma Cookies' by her grandchildren. Opal's most enjoyable times were the times she spent with her family, grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Opal is survived by four sons and three daughters: Gary (Donna) Burnside of Hawley, MN, Roger (Char) Burnside of Fargo, ND, Kenny (Diane) Burnside of Ulen, MN, Andrew Burnside of Foley, MN, Arlene (Glen) Holm of Borup, MN, Marlys Hogetvedt of Brainerd, MN, Julie (Arvin Sonny) Syverson of Ulen, MN, 32 grandchildren and 42 great- grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin (Peg) Reidberger, of Brainerd, MN and Orval (Donna) Reidberger, California; four sisters, Floretta Cobler of, Newton, Iowa, Penny Syverson of Amery, Wisconsin, Venda (Arnold) Aune of Moorhead, MN and Delayne (Ron) Thorson of Fargo, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Opal is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, three sons, baby Roger,
Duane, Curtis, and two sons-in-law, Neil Buretta and Larry Hogetvedt; sister,
Veretta Westlund and a brother, Luverne Reidberger.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 AM in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Burial was in the Hawley Cemetery, Hawley, Minnesota.