Opal Masters, 1930-2004

MASTERS, GANGESTAD

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/21/2009 at 14:42:28

ESTHERVILLE -- Funeral services for Opal Masters, 73, of Estherville will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Estherville with Pastor Warren Baker officiating. Internment will be held at East Side Cemetery in Estherville. She died on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at the Good Samaritan Center in Estherville.

Visitation will be held from 5-9 p.m. this evening at the Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Chapel in Estherville.

Opal was born in September 29, 1930 at her home in Maple Hill, the daughter of Edwin Johann and Mary Ellen (Reining) Gangestad. She grew up in the Graettinger area and received her education in the Graettinger schools, graduating from Graettinger High School. Following her graduation she attended Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Minn.

On Nov. 30, 1951, Opal was united in marriage to Richard Gene Masters at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Graettinger. After their marriage the couple made their home in Estherville.

Opal was employed at Fitzgibbon's Law Office for a time and then she worked at Northern Lumber Company in Estherville for fifteen years. She then went to work for Golden Sun Feed where she was employed for thirty-one years. Richard died March 31, 1997.

In September of 2003, due to health problems, Opal moved in with her sister Iris to make her home. Opal spent many years volunteering her time to various causes such as Holy Family Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, RSVP, Meals on Wheels and the Dinner Date Program with the hog roast and ice cream social.

She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Left to cherish Opal's memory are one brother, Jerrold Gangestad of Denison; one sister, Iris Runge of Estherville; brother-in-law, Dale Masters, his wife and Opal's special friend, Bev, of Estherville; sister-in-law, Shirley Marble of Hartley; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Opal in death her husband; parents; and one brother-in-law, Abe Runge.

Opal's family requests that nay memorial contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Center Dove Room, Avera Holy Family Hospice, Dinner Date or Meals on Wheels.

Source: The Estherville Daily News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, July 22, 2004.