Janet Karelynn Opgrand, 83, of Crookston, MN, passed away in her home early Friday morning, August 20, 2021, with her daughter and son-in-law, Kari and Neil, and son, Kip, at her side.
Jan, as she was affectionately known throughout her life, was born in Mayville, ND on August 8, 1938, one of 4 children of the union of John and Cora (Ophaug) Bakke. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from Mayville High School as a member of the Class of 1957. She went on to attend Mayville State College. On July 27, 1957, Jan was united in marriage to Harold Jerome Opgrand. In the coming years, their marriage would be blessed by the births of 2 children: Karelynn “Kari” and Karl “Kip”. Jan and Harold made their first home in Glencoe, MN where Harold served as librarian and coached in the Glencoe Public School System. From 1959 until 1966 the family lived in St. Cloud, MN and Harold was employed at St. Cloud State University. Next came a move to Crookston as he accepted the position of Director of Media Resources for the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Jan, as always, remained at the center of a very active household as she and Harold supported the kid’s school sports activities, concerts, and other events. They were devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and Jan sang beautifully with the Trinity Choir, Praise Singers, and a local group known as “Sunshine”. She cherished many friendships formed during her years as a member of the Matrons and PEO Sisterhood Chapter AX. In addition to her passions for music and singing, Jan enjoyed participation in Community and University Theater productions, playing golf and tennis, and fishing with Harold. For many years she served as an Electoral Judge and volunteered her time to the Meals on Wheels program. Near and dear to Jan’s heart was her charter membership with the ‘Wednesday Night Fine Arts Club’.
Sadly, Jan was preceded in death on June 13th by her loving husband and best friend of 63 years, Harold. Comforted knowing that Mom and Dad are together again, are their 2 children and spouses: Karelynn “Kari” and Neil Hedman of Moorhead, MN and Karl “Kip” and Beth Opgrand of Carmel, CA; 2 grandchildren, Allison and husband, Ben Arvidson, of Paynesville, MN and Erik Hedman of Excelsior, MN; and 3 great-grandsons: Henry, Jack, and Carter Arvidson. Also, surviving Jan are her 2 sisters-in-law, Beverly Bakke of Fargo, ND, and Norma Opgrand of New York City, NY; together with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved Harold, Jan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Cora Bakke; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, LaVerne “Lovey” and Luther Aamold, and Connie and John Elken; brother, Jerry Bakke; parents-in-law, Carl and Therese Opgrand; and brother-in-law, Carleton Opgrand. Memories of Jan will be forever treasured by all who shared in her wonderful life.
The lives of Harold and Jan Opgrand will be celebrated at a 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service on Friday, October 15, 2021, in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be live-streamed by going to either of their obituary pages at www.stenshoelhouske.com and scrolling to the prompt at the bottom of the page. Harold and Jan will be buried together in the Shelly Marsh-River Cemetery near Shelly, MN at 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 15th.
Online registry and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
