Opal Gabler
December 28, 1919 ~ September 13, 2016
Opal (Wegner) Gabler, 96, of Wadena, MN, formerly of Cresbard, SD, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the Fair Oaks Lodge, Wadena, MN.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Cresbard, with Pastor David Birkeland presiding. Burial followed in the Cresbard Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2016 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton, with visitation one-hour prior.
Opal Bernice Gabler was born to Albert and Matilda (Schaurer) Wegner on December 28, 1919 on a farm north of Cresbard, SD, where she grew up. She attended grade school in Kent Township in Edmunds County and went on to graduate with honors from Cresbard High School in 1939. After graduation, she went to Wenatchee, WA, where she enrolled in the Vetter’s Hair Styling School, graduating with a license in Cosmetology. Opal worked for a period of time in Nespelem, WA before going on to Portland, OR.
On June 14, 1942 in Portland, OR, Opal married Harlan Gabler who was working there at the time. He also was formerly from Cresbard, SD. To this union two children were born: a son, Jack and daughter, Susan. In 1951, she and her family moved back to Cresbard, SD to farm until they retired in 1975. After retiring, Opal and her husband did some traveling for a few years. Places they visited included Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.
Opal was a member of the Richland Wesleyan Church near Mina, SD. She took part in many of the church activities including teaching Sunday School. In later years, she attended the Cresbard Methodist Church. She also was a member of the Cresbard Golden Friendship Sr. Club, and led a ladies Bible Study Group for a period of time. Opal enjoyed her family, church, friends, reading, crafts, and crocheting.
Opal is survived by one son, Jack (Kathy) of Richmond, MN; one daughter, Susan (Don) Gunn of Wadena, MN; two sisters, Alice (Rueben) Miller of Aberdeen, SD, Ruby Bosanko of Ipswich, SD; three brothers: Jim Wegner of Aberdeen, SD, Robert and Gary Wegner of Cresbard, SD; five grandchildren: Michael (Kristin) Gabler of Finland, MN, April Gabler of Missoula, MT, Nathan (Tonya) Gunn of Andover, MN, Calvin (Shana) Gunn of Nevis, MN, and Sarah (Aaron) Spicer of Wadena, MN; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harlan; two sisters; one brother; and one step-brother.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Wadena Medical Center, Fair Oaks Lodge Nursing Home, Knute Nelson Hospice Care, and all of her relatives and friends who have visited Opal and sent letters and cards of encouragement to her.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Opal’s arrangements.
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My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Opal. The loss of our dear loved ones can be very difficult and distressing to cope with. It has helped myself and others when we remember that they now safely rest in the loving memory of our Grand Creator, waiting for the fulfillment of His promised purpose. Also, may your own good and loving memories of Opal help to soothe your hearts. Sincerely ( Revelation 21 : 3-5; Acts 24 : 15; Psalms 37 : 11, 34 )
I will deeply miss Opal! That smile she had was so contagious that if you were having a bad day, she could always make you smile. I am going to miss working with Opal. Hugs to the family
Opal was a strong, generous, kind and godly woman. She will hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Praise to our God!