Opal Sylvia Brist

Opal S. Brist, 93, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, February 4, 2017, at her home.

Opal was born on October 20, 1923, to Olaf and Martha (Refsland) Mickelberg in Bagley, MN. She grew up in Bagley and lived in Pelican Rapids for a short time, before moving to Fergus Falls, where she graduated from high school. After graduation, she worked at a bakery in Minneapolis. While living in Minneapolis, she met Ed Brist.

On January 6, 1943, Opal was united in marriage to Edwin M. Brist, in Big Spring, TX. In 1945, they moved to Fergus Falls and Opal worked at the Normandy Café and White Drug. In 1966, she went to work at Great Plains Natural Gas Company and continued working there until her retirement in November of 1986.

Opal enjoyed crossword puzzles, crocheting, walking, cooking and baking. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls, where she was involved in ladies aid. She was also a lifetime member of the Fergus Falls VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Martha Mickelberg; her husband, Edwin Brist, Sr.; and a sister, Margaret.

Opal is survived by her daughters, Marie Powis of Hampton, VA, and Opal Grunewald of West Fargo, ND; her sons, Edwin (Linda) Brist, Jr. of Fergus Falls and Roger (Pilar) Brist of Austin, TX; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 1:00 PM on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Wesley Gabel
Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls