Karin Marie Opsal

April 9, 1919 – January 5, 2018

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Karin “Kari” Marie Opsal, 98, of North Bend, will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 2741 Sherman Avenue in North Bend, with pastor Israel Jurich presiding. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. A private family inurnment will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park columbarium, 63060 Millington Frontage Road in Coos Bay. Private cremation rites were held at Ocean View Memory Gardens in Coos Bay.

Kari was born on April 9, 1919 in Stordal, Norway, to Joakim Yetreburg Skotte and Karoline Inga Petrine Skotte. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 5, 2018 in Coos Bay.

Kari married Trygve Opsal on October 5, 1947 in a small church in Sykkylven, Norway. They had been married for 60 years at the time of his passing in May of 2008.

Kari and Trygve immigrated to the United States in June 1953, moving their two young daughters, age 2 and 4 years old, to a distant, unknown country. Knowing only their Norwegian heritage and language, they learned a new language and started their new life in North Bend, where they had two more daughters.

Kari was a homemaker for many years before she joined the Scandinavian women in the alteration department at the Hub department store in Coos Bay in 1971. She loved her work and all the ladies she worked with. Kari loved working in her garden and always impressed everyone with her beautiful flowers. She was admired for her creative talent for crocheting and knitting.

Kari loved her family so much. She was loved by her family and will be missed by her family and all who knew her. She was a gentle, loving soul with a beautiful smile for all.

Kari is survived by her daughters and their husbands; Sissel and Ray Lemke of Eugene, Reidun and David Riggins of Portland and Greta and Rick Slagle of Coos Bay; grandchildren, Karilynn Burger, Sonja Weissenfels, Chris Richards, Tyler Richards, Nicole Gaddis and Scott Slagle; great-grandchildren, Ella, Ashley, Alexa, Abigail, Chloe, Jenna, Kjell, Alina and Hunter.

Kari was preceded in death by her husband Trygve Opsal; daughter, Linda Richards; two brothers, one sister; and her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2741 Sherman Avenue, North Bend, Oregon 97459. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

 Service Information