Ervin Opskar

Ervin Morris Opskar, the son of Knute and Johanna Opskar, was born on October 28, 1908 at Crookston, MN. He grew up on the family farm east of Shelly where he received his education. Shortly after birth he was born into the Lord's Kingdom through the sacrament of baptism. Sixteen years later he became a member of Shelly Lutheran Church through the rite of confirmation. Ervin was educated through the 6th grade, as his father would take him out of school to help with the farming.
He met the love of his life, Lucille Kunkel, through his sister, Rose, as they were good friends. They enjoyed many years of dancing together through life. Ervin was married to Lucille on January 1, 1939, at Nielsville, MN. After their marriage they lived in Nielsville for a short period of time before moving to Moorhead, MN. They lived in several places in Moorhead and finally made their home at 312 15th Street South.
Ervin worked for Armor's and Red Owl doing maintenance. He was the custodian for the Moorhead Public Library and fired the boiler for the Plains Art Museum. He had many part time jobs as well: delivering the Sunday Fargo Forum, custodian at Diemert's Liquor Store and carpentry jobs.
He came home one day and told Lucille that he had bought lake property on Pelican Lake which his wife was not happy about. This cabin became the focal point for many family occasions and continues today. He especially loved sitting on the glider in front of the cabin, which went through many changes over the years. He loved just watching the lake and the wonder of what the Lord had made. Ervin loved to work with his hands and made many grandfather clocks, a roll top desk, show cases for Trinity Lutheran Church and the Moorhead Public Library, and a china hutch for his wife. Ervin was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, the Eagles, and he regularly attended worship at First Baptist Church, Lisbon, ND.
In June of 1999, Ervin and Lucille moved to Lisbon. In March of 2002, Lucille died at the age of 82 after 63 years of marriage with Ervin. Ervin became a resident of Mary Hill Manor in May of 2005, where he died on November 29, 2006, at the age of 98.
He is survived by one daughter, Emmy Dotzenrod-Strander, Lisbon; two sons, Erling (Betty) Opskar, Pelican Rapids, MN, and Dennis (Susan) Opskar, Derby, KS; a sister, Rose Holty, Albert Lea, MN; and seven grandchildren, Allen and Rudy Dotzenrod and Christo
VISITATION: Sunday (Dec. 3, 2006) 3 - 5 pm in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday (Dec. 4, 2006) ~ 2 pm in Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th. St. S., Moorhead


INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Moorhead