Rev. Bruce H. Opsahl

Reverend Bruce H. Opsahl, age 92, most recently of Belleville, PA, went to be with his Lord on October 9, 2017.

Rev. Opsahl was born on January 22, 1925 in Appleton, WI as the second of six children born to Caroline (Bruchs) and Peter Opsahl. His early education involved attending schools in Oshkosh, Thiensville, and Cedarburg WI and he graduated high school from Cedarburg, WI. After graduation from high school, Bruce entered the military service, joining the Navy during World War II. He initially deployed to the Mediterranean, but was subsequently assigned to mainland China as a radio specialist and courier. It was the difficulty of this period, however, that led to his calling to the ministry and upon returning he married his loving, caring and supporting wife, Violet, and attended and graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, a seminary of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.

Rev. Opsahl was called to Omaha, Nebraska as a vicar and then on to his first congregation in Shelton, Nebraska. In 1955 Rev. Opsahl moved his small and growing family to Flemington, NJ and was vital in establishing and nurturing St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as pastor for 35 years.

Rev. Opsahl was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Violet (Blank), and will be dearly missed by his children, Mark Opsahl of South Port, NC (wife Nancy), Douglas Opsahl of New Britain, PA (wife Terry), Paul Opsahl of Franklin, OH (wife Tracy), Elizabeth Rhoades of Port Royal, PA (husband George), Thomas Opsahl of Rutland, VT (wife Michelle), and Marty Opsahl of Portland, OR (wife Aine). He will be fondly remembered by his many grandchildren and they in turn will share his love with their children.

Rev. Opsahl was predeceased in death by 4 of his 5 siblings and is survived by his brother Erhard Opsahl of McFarland, WI (wife Carla). He will be remembered by the many people that he touched over the years as he spread his ministry with those whom he met. He was able to spend his last few years at Valley View Terrace in Belleville, PA where he was lovingly cared for by the many staff members who shared his love of the Lord.

Rev. Opsahl was an integral part of the Flemington community during his years of ministry there. He was an active member of the Flemington Rotary Club and a member of the clergy staff and Board of Trustees of the Hunterdon Medical Center. After retirement from St Paul, Rev. Opsahl continued his ministry as interim pastor at numerous congregations in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Rev. Opsahl led an active and energetic life. His children recall him snowmobiling them up the hill behind the house for the exciting run down on the toboggan. Or out in the red shed tinkering on a motor, repairing a trailer or painting an old VW red. The red theme ran very strongly in his life, as it was one of the few colors he could see well. He enjoyed gardening and had a love for trees. He planted his beautiful pine and spruce trees wherever he lived, and many of the children have his trees growing in their yards. As his body grew more tired he was forced to give up many of the activities that he enjoyed but he still loved to talk or to hear about what the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were doing. It was as if he could experience the sports he loved, golf, softball, skiing, and football through the stories told to him by his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 State Route 31, Flemington, NJ, 08822.

Calling hours will be on Saturday October 14, 2017 from 10 to 11 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flemington, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11 AM at the Church and internment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Flemington.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.