Mary Margaret Marcella (Hoffman) Opperud, age 64, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 26, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Blaine, Minnesota, holding the hand of her loving husband and surrounded by the love of family and friends and the peace of God’s promises.
Mary was born on March 15, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She lived a life marked by faith, compassion, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. While her passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, they find comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
In 1979, Mary married the love of her life, Gary Opperud. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. Their partnership carried them through many adventures, careers, and seasons of life, always standing side by side.
Mary’s first job was as a waitress at Country Kitchen. She later worked at Hardee’s, where she met Gary. As Gary’s career in the fish industry grew, Mary faithfully worked alongside him, dedicating countless hours to help build their business while supporting their family every step of the way. She later worked at 21st Century Bank before eventually returning to work alongside her husband at GO Aquatics.
Above all else, Mary cherished being a wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted pet mom. Her family was the greatest blessing of her life, and she poured her heart into caring for those she loved. Whether she was preparing a meal, tending to her beautiful garden, playing a spirited game of Canasta, spending time with her beloved Shelties and her cat, or simply sharing laughter with family and friends, Mary found joy in life’s simple gifts.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. As a longtime member of Living Word Christian Center, Mary faithfully served in the church bookstore for many years. She loved spending time in God’s creation, taking her dogs on long walks through nature and appreciating the beauty and wonder of His handiwork. She often reminded others to “take time to enjoy the beauty of things,” a reflection of the gratitude and wonder that filled her heart.
Mary was known for her warm spirit, generous heart, and infectious smile. She was one of the most giving people many had ever known, always ready to help, encourage, or simply offer a listening ear. Her sense of humor, loving nature, and genuine care for others drew people to her. Family and friends could always count on being greeted with one of her favorite expressions: “Where is my hug?” She leaves behind a legacy of faith, forgiveness, compassion, and unconditional love.
She taught those around her the importance of loving Jesus, extending grace to others, and cherishing the people God places in our lives.
Though her earthly journey has ended, her impact will continue through the countless lives she touched. Her beautiful smile, joyful laugh, generous spirit, and selfless heart will forever be remembered by those blessed to know her.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Mary’s family rejoices in the promise that through faith in Jesus Christ, this is not goodbye, but simply until we meet again.
Mary is lovingly survived by her husband of 47 years, Gary Lee Opperud; her children, April (Nate) Hatfield, Angela (Josh) Rosa, Michael (Kirby) Opperud, and Amy (Matt) Hopp; her seven cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Brandon, KC, Terry, Elizabeth,
Aurora, and Raelynn; and her beloved great-grandson, Nathanial.
She is also survived by her sister, Kathy (Jeff) Rain; her brother, Jim (Alanna)
Hoffman; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Allan (Deb) Opperud, Julie (Gary) Kruger, Bonnie Pahlen, Jody Domier, Rose (Tony) Borslien, Curt (Gloria) Opperud, Mary Jo (Brian) Halos, and Lynette Woolever; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members whose lives were touched by her love and generosity.
Mary was welcomed into her eternal life by her beloved family: Grandparents John & Frances Hoffman, Anthony & Amelia Amon, her parents Marcella and Richard Hoffman; an infant brother, her Aunt Jewel Hoffman and Uncle Earl Hoffman, Aunt Millie Nieman, Uncle Morin Amon, Aunt Sally Bruvold, Aunt Marion Soman, nephew Bobby Ball, her cousins Karen Singer, Wally and Jessica Soman, Joe Nieman, parents-in-law Raymond and Gladys Opperud, sister-in-law Diane Domier, brother-in-law Frank Pahlen, and many other beloved family members who welcomed her into eternal life.
Today, we take comfort in knowing that she is walking hand in hand with her Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and experiencing the fullness of God’s eternal love.
