Gladys Laverne (Meine) Opperud, 94, of Crookston, MN, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday,
March 6th, 2025, at Riverview ER in Crookston, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to loving
parents Henry and Christine (Abrahamson) Meine on Feb 23, 1931 and was baptized soon after.
Gladys spent her childhood working hard on the family farm, and she walked many miles selling garden
seeds. Her life on the farm cemented her love for all animals, starting with her horse May and continuing
in her life with all her family pets. Her education began at Polk County Country School, where she
graduated from the 8th grade in 1945, and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church the same year. She
then went on to attend the Northwest School of Agriculture. She proudly obtained her GED from Central
High School in 1968 to show her children the importance of an education.
Gladys met the love of her life, Raymond Opperud, in 1948. They were married on May 6, 1950 during
the big flood. Together, they lovingly raised their nine children in the home that Ray built for them. They
truly had a once-in-a-lifetime love, and were inseparable for the 61 years of marriage that they were
blessed with. In 1951, Ray and Gladys opened Grand View Grocery Store, having their children working
right alongside Gladys, learning valuable life lessons in the process. Gladys created a warm and loving
environment that is cherished and remembered fondly by all who visited.
Gladys loved cooking and having a pot of coffee ready for anyone that visited. Her compassionate and
loving demeanor made everyone who walked through the front door feel at home. She also found joy in
gardening, canning, camping, and fishing trip with her family. Her egg dish and salsa recipes are family
favorites still to this day. Gladys’ love for her family knew no bounds, she was famous for making her
angel food cake for birthdays and her mints for weddings. She treasured every opportunity to share in
her families’ joys and celebrate their successes.
Gladys was active in the VFW Post 1902 Ladies Auxiliary in Crookston. She held many positions,
including secretary, chaplain, and president. She also served as 9th District Auxiliary President. Both her
and Ray visited many hospitalized veterans in the area. Gladys was a dedicated member of Wesley
United Methodist Church, serving on the church council for many years. She was always a willing
volunteer, helping at many church functions and events. Her most cherished role was being a member of
the United Methodist Women, she held numerous offices including president. She enjoyed drinking
coffee, planning events, and studying the Bible with these very special ladies.
Gladys leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will continue to inspire
those who knew her, reminding us all of the importance of family, community, and the simple joys of life.
Gladys is survived by her children, Allan (Debbie) Opperud, of Elk River, MN, Julie (Gary) Krueger, of
Fosston, MN, Bonnie Pahlen, of Red Lake Falls, MN, Gary (Mary) Opperud, of Blaine, MN, Rose (Tony)
Borslien, of West Fargo, ND, Curtis (Gloria) Opperud, of Fargo, ND, Mary Jo (Brian) Halos, of Crookston,
MN, and Lynette Woolever, of Crookston, MN; son-in-law, Jody Domier, of Colorado Springs, CO; and
sister-in-law, Carol (Willard) Meine, of Crookston, MN. Her grandmotherly love will be cherished by 27
grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her
parents, Henry and Christine (Abrahamson) Meine; husband, Raymond Opperud; daughter, Diane
Domier; son-in-law, Frank Pahlen, six baby brothers; siblings, Duane, Elsworth, Willard, Helen Swift and
Clara Klooz; brother-in-law’s, Cecil Swift and Edward Klooz; sister-in-law Carol (Elsworth) Meine; and
great-granddaughter Kasandra Hedland.
A prayer service will be held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Thursday, March 13,
2025, at 7:00 p.m. with visitation two hours prior. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14,
2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston.
Interment will be on Friday at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston, following the funeral service. A luncheon
will be served at Wesly United Methodist Church after the service on Friday. Services will be
livestreamed, the link to which will be available at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries/gladys-opperud.
