Violet Ann Opsahl

Violet Ann (Blank) Opsahl, 88, went to be with the Lord at 6:30PM on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Valley View Haven. She was born on February 10, 1925, in Grafton, WI. She was the first born of Ray and Amelia Blank.

Violet was the beloved wife of Bruce H. Opsahl for 65 years, and is survived by him. They were blessed with six children. Mark and his wife Nancy of Annandale, NJ; Douglas and his wife Terry of New Britain, PA; Paul and his wife Tracy of Franklin, OH; Elizabeth (Opsahl) Rhoades and her husband George of Port Royal, PA, Thomas and his wife Michelle of Rutland, VT; B. Martin and his wife Aine of Portland, OR. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George and her sister Harriet.

Violet married Bruce on August 28, 1948 in Lakefield, WI at St. John s Lutheran Church. She joined him in his call to ministry and moved initially to Springfield, IL followed by a move to Shelton NE. In January 1955 Violet partnered with Bruce s call to St. Paul s Lutheran Church in Flemington, NJ. During this time Violet taught high school level English at Hunterdon Central High School for 6 years and subsequently acquired her Master s Degree in Guidance Counseling. She was the guidance counselor at HCHS for an additional 14 years.

While she was employed at HCHS she was also very active in the St. Paul parish. She taught Sunday School, Bible classes as well as joyful participant of the church choir and Ladies Guild. Violet enjoyed reading to her children, taking regular walks with her husband, entertaining her grandchildren and most of all loving each person who had her attention.

After completion of their call in Flemington, Violet followed Bruce to Saylorsburg, PA and then on to Port Royal, PA. During this time she continued to touch the lives of others. It was her wonderful spirit and joyful love of the Lord that defined Violet and her relationship with all that had the honor of being with her.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Port Royal Lutheran Church, Port Royal with Reverend Charles L Hersberger officiating. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Flemington, NJ on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM.

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

Holcombe-Fisher Funeral home of 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ is in charge of arrangements.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.