Gladys (Rierson) OPHEIM ELLINGSON

RIERSON, LANGERUD, OPHEIM, ELLINGSON, GENTLE, SPURGEON, LANE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/8/2011 at 15:56:02

November 6, 1906 -- July 19, 2006

Gladys Rierson, daughter of Henry and Hilda (Langerud) Rierson was born November 6, 1906 at the family home in Leland, Iowa. Raised as one of 13 children, she was baptized and confirmed at West Prairie Lutheran Church in Leland. The family moved to Livermore when she was a young girl. In 1924, on her 18th birthday, she married Bernold Opheim to which five sons were born, Roger, Lyle, Richard, Dennis, and George. They resided on their farm east of Bode from the time of their marriage until Bernold's death in 1964. While on the farm she enjoyed her flower garden and raised chickens. In 1965, she moved to Buffalo Center and in 1971 she married Nels Ellingson. Following the death of Nels, she remained in Buffalo Center in good health until December 2000 when she moved to The Meadows in Clarion and later the Rotary Ann Assisted Living in Eagle Grove where she passed away on the morning of July 19, 2006, at the age of 99 years and 7 months. Gladys was a member of St Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center.

Those who will cherish her memory include her two sons and three daughters-in-law; Roger and his wife June of West Des Moines; Dennis of Madison, Alabama; Nancy of Sergeant Bluff, and Juanita of Dows; 44 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren; sister Ada Gentle of Florida; as well as nieces and nephews; and her friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bernold; her second husband Nels; her three sons, Lyle, Richard, and George; one granddaughter Kathryn Opheim Spurgeon; 11 siblings as well as other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Gladys' life was at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode, Iowa with the Rev. Paul Breddin presiding. Hymns by the congregation were Abide With Me, Borning Cry, and Precious Lord Take My Hand accompanied on the organ by Orlys Maassen. Casketbearers were Thomas, Steven, Gary, Mark, and Patrick Opheim, and Harold Lane. Interment was at the St. Olaf Cemetery at Bode, Iowa.