Mary Opsahl

Mary Opsahl, age 91, of Carpenter, the widow of Vernon, died in the Huron Regional Medical Center at Huron on Friday afternoon, April 24, 2015 following a brief illness due to pneumonia. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 5-7 PM at the Furness Funeral Home in Clark and will continue after 9AM at the Church in Carpenter on Tuesday morning. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 10:30 AM in the Carpenter United Methodist Church with Shirley Scotter officiating. The pianist will be Crystal Grann with special music by the Wicks Family, Kerry, Scott and Yvonne. Burial will follow in the Richland Cemetery north of Carpenter. She was born Mary Tschetter on April 20, 1924, the daughter of David G. and Katherine (Gross) Tschetter. Mary was schooled in country schools near Carpenter. On October 30, 1948 she was united in marriage to Vernon Opsahl at Webster. They made their home on a farm near Carpenter until 1984 when they retired from farming and moved into Carpenter. Mary was very active in the farm life, prior to her marriage and after her marriage to Vernon. She was never afraid of helping on the farm. After Vernon's death in 1988, Mary continued living in Carpenter until moving to the Stoneybrook Suites Assisted Living in Huron in 2011. Mary enjoyed being around her family and friends. When her sisters were alive they would spend countless afternoons playing dominos. She took pride In her home and lawn. In younger years, she and Vernon often went to local dances. Mary was a life-long member of the Carpenter United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Methodist Women and served as church treasurer for many years. She loved her Church home and for many years, made certain the church was heated for Sunday services. Survivors who are grateful to having shared in her life are her sons, James (Charlotte) Opsahl and Ron Opsahl all of Carpenter, two grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Gilligan of DeSmet and Derek Opsahl of Watertown, three great-grandchildren, Kain, Gannon and Jordyn Gilligan all of DeSmet. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Helena Townsend of Willow Lake and many nieces and nephews. Dear friends, Don and Lucy Opsahl of Hinckley, MN, Kathryn Wicks and Kay Gross of Carpenter and Selma Laabs of Huron also survive. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Vernon, a son, Harold, a great-grandson Brady Gilligan, sisters, Katie Waldner, Sara Hofer, Bertha Stahl, Anna Stahl, Adina Huber, Martha Hofer, and brothers, David and George Tschetter and an infant brother. Funeral arrangements are with the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where there is an on-line registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com