Middle River – Norman Opdahl, 77, of Middle River, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at his residence with his loving family by his side.
Norman Robert Opdahl was born November 2, 1947, in Warren, the son of Henry Norman and Frances Margaret (Sampson) Opdahl. He grew up and attended school in St. Hilaire, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, with the Class of 1965.
On November 15, 1967, Norm entered into service with the United States Army at Fargo, ND. His basic training was at Ft. Lewis, WA and he was stationed in Vietnam from May of 1968 until May of 1969. He was Honorably Discharged on November 13, 1970, with the rank of E-5. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Sharpshooter with the M-14 and M-16.
On March 14, 1970, Norm was united in marriage to Karen Renae Wagner at First Lutheran Church in Middle River. They lived in Ft. Riley, KS until his discharge, at which time they returned to live in Middle River. To this union four children were born, Lance, Derrick, Francesca and Zachary.
Norm worked construction until starting Opdahl Custom Farming in 1975. He worked with many farmers around the area to provide custom services such as anhydrous application, seeding, tilling, CRP prep and harvesting. Opdahl Custom Farming wasn’t just a job for Norm, it was his passion. He took pride in a satisfied customer, a job well done, and maintaining clean and impeccable equipment.
Norm had a love for life, taking the smallest of tasks and turning them into an adventure that would become a story to tell for years to come. Norm never met a stranger, after one visit you would be considered a friend. He loved Corvettes, John Deere equipment, a good cup of coffee, a good or even bad joke and visiting with friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, a great dad, but being a “Papa” was what he was best at. He had four grandchildren, Madisyn, Kaden, Chesnie, and Gwen that meant the world to him. He cherished his brothers and sisters, and his great group of friends that would stop by the shop for a cup of coffee and a visit. He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family and those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was a member of First Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 444.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Karen of Middle River; children, Lance (Denease) Opdahl of Greenbush, Derrick Opdahl of Middle River, Francesca (C-Jay) Wojciechowski of Thief River Falls, and Zachary Opdahl of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Madisyn and Kaden Opdahl and Chesnie and Gwen Wojciechowski; siblings, Duane Opdahl, Margaret (Danny) Larson, Mary Thompson, Kathy Opdahl, Tom (Kathy) Opdahl, Dave (Nancy) Opdahl, Judy (Larry Vettleson) Opdahl, Jim (Linda) Opdahl, Nancy Opdahl; sisters-in-law, Lois Barth, Val (Larry) Nesteby, Sandy Olson and Patty Wagner; brother-in-law, Bruce Wagner; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Norm is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Opdahl and Frances Opdahl; father- and mother-in-law, John and Bernice Wagner; brothers-in-law, Curtis Thompson, LeRoy Wagner, Roger Wagner and Wayne Wagner; and sister-in-law, Corrine Opdahl.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service to celebrate Norm’s life at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 444 and the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard. Lunch will be served immediately following the service and burial will follow at German Evangelical Cemetery, rural Middle River.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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