Loren Clair Opdahl

Loren Clair “Skip” Opdahl of Oakdale, MN passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the age of 87. He was born on February 8, 1939 in Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated from high school and Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD.

He retired from the Andersen Corporation in 2001 after working there 29 years. He loved the Lord and was active at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Bible studies and served as a Stephen Minister. He was part of the wood carving community at Gladstone Community Education Center and White Bear Senior Center. He had a heart for serving people through Habitat for Humanity, including several years with the Jimmy Carter projects in Puebla, Mexico; Tagbilaran City in the Philippines; Durban, South Africa; Seoul, Korea; Harlem, NY; LaGrange, GA; and Houston, TX. He had a great sense of humor. He loved traveling, especially through the Panama Canal, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. He thoroughly enjoyed spending winters in Palm Springs, CA; and in Port Isabel and Brownsville, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clair and Elva Opdahl, son James, grandson Montana Brandt, and sister Norma Jean Day. He is survived by his adoring wife of 38 years, LaRee and his children – Laura Buck, Stephen Opdahl, and Julie Matanga; step-children Jack (Jeanie) Morsch, Sara Morsch, Dr. Layne (TC) Morsch, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandson; sisters-in-law Sheryl (Neale) Horman, Janice Hooker, and Julia (William) Stephani.

The family would like to thank Accent Care Fairview Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Loren in his final days. Also thanks to the Neptune Society for their care and provided services.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN on Friday, October 30 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM.