Gladys Muriel Opsahl

Gladys Muriel Opsahl was born at home February 1, 1934 in Caledonia, Minnesota to Roy and Ida Opsahl.  She grew up in a large family of 4 girls and 4 boys.

After graduating from Austin High School in 1952, Gladys left for Minneapolis to complete training to work in the airline industry.  She was then hired to work for Continental Airlines where she was to remain for her entire career which spanned 40 years.  Her first assignment was in Chicago and lasted 5 years.  After that, she was transferred to Los Angeles where she worked the remaining 35 years of her career.  Starting out at the Tour Desk she was afforded the opportunity to travel the world.  Her "buddy passes" allowed her to share travel experiences with her parents and family.

Although Gladys never married, her pleasant easy-going manner turned coworkers into lifelong friends.  Her many nieces and nephews adored her, each one secretly believing they were her "favorite."

Upon retiring, Gladys' greatest desire to return to Minneapolis to be near her beloved brothers and sister, ultimately moving in with her sister in 2008 where she remained until her death.

Gladys treated everyone kindly.  She was pleasant, meek, humble, unflappable, and self-sacrificing.  She prioritized the needs of others above her own.  She loved well and well loved.  She will be greatly missed.

"Be kind whenever possible.

It is always possible."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

The graveside service for Gladys will be held Thursday October 26th at 1:00 PM at Grandview Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota.  The Rev. Mark Niethammer will officiate.  Ms. Opsahl, 89, of Rochester died Saturday October 21, 2023 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochster.

She is survived by 2 brothers Earling (Martha) Opsahl, and Elmer Opsahl, and a sister Idella Bailey.  Also surviving are sisters-in-law Carol Opsahl, and Jane Opsahl.  She was preceded in death by three brothers Ray, Milford, and Leroy, and four sisters Rosie, Ethel, Verna, and Norma.