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Rev. Paul David Opsahl

Date of Death: August 26, 2023

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Community Lutheran Church
21014 Whitfield Pl
Sterling, VA 20165
(703) 430-6006 |
Saturday 9/9, 11:00 am

Rev. Paul David Opsahl, 89, of Winchester, VA, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Winchester Medical Center.

Rev. Opsahl was born in 1934 in Story City, IA, the son of the late Rev. Carl Opsahl and Olina Onstad. He was a graduate of Halstad High School in Halstad, MN, where he was valedictorian of his class. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and English from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He then attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN where he was ordained, and then went on to earn his Doctorate Degree (ThD) from the University of Heidelberg. Rev. Opsahl retired as minister from Community Lutheran Church in Sterling, VA. Rev. Opsahl enjoyed music and was very accomplished at playing the trumpet. He loved traveling and was blessed to have had the opportunity to travel the world. He was a kind and gentle soul who lived for his faith and was beloved by everyone he knew.

He married Geraldine Ann Ness in 1957 in Ada, MN. She preceded him in death in 2022.

Rev. Opsahl is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Balettie (Roger), LeAnn Opsahl; son, Stephen Opsahl (Patricia Pickering); grandchildren, Melanie White (Jarrett), Andrew Balettie (Liz), Matthew Opsahl, Nicholas Opsahl, Kiersten Lemke; great-grandchildren, Shiloh White, Cole Balettie, Madilyn Balettie and sister Mary Hellerud (the late John).

A memorial service will be held for Rev. Opsahl on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11am at Community Lutheran Church in Sterling, VA. A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at the church. Officiating will be Rev. Kirsten Laderach and Rev. James Wind.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rev. Opsahl to Community Lutheran Church, Sterling, VA; Lutheran World Relief Fund, Baltimore, MD (give.lwr.org.); Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MD; Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

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Tim Lemke
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Sherrie Merrell
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Service
Community Lutheran Church
21014 Whitfield Pl
Sterling, VA 20165
(703) 430-6006 | Map
Saturday 9/9, 11:00 am

Rev. Paul David Opsahl, 89, of Winchester, VA, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Winchester Medical Center. Rev. Opsahl was born in 1934 in Story City, IA, the son of the late Rev. Carl Opsahl and Olina Onstad. He was a graduate of Halstad High School in Halstad, MN, where he was valedictorianContinue Reading

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Tim Lemke left a message on February 6, 2024:
In memory of Rev. Paul David Opsahl, Tim Lemke lit a candle
Jill Meuser left a message on December 4, 2023:
Paul and Geri were cherished by the Meuser family. Fred and Paul formed an awesome team at LCUSA leading to the recommendation to ordain women. We remember meals together and warm fellowship. We look forward to a joyous reunion.
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The Rev. Anne Dwiggins left a message on September 15, 2023:
Pastor Paul was my internship supervisor at Community Lutheran Church, 1995-96. Community was growing, and it was in no small part due to his grace, strong faith, love of the Lutheran tradition, generosity of spirit, humor, gentleness, and willingness to share his considerable knowledge in unobtrusive ways. He taught me not to take myself quite so seriously, and that minstry, though challenging, could be fun! May he awaken in God's light-filled presence, with Geri and all the beloved community of saints.
Sherrie Merrell left a message on September 8, 2023:
Pastor Paul was a lovely, kind human being. He was a huge support for my family during a dark time and we are all better for having known him.
John Ostroot left a message on September 7, 2023:
I believe that there is one special pastor each of has in their life and Paul Opsahl was mine. We had a close and personal relationship for over 50 years beginning with his call to Memorial Drive Lutheran Church in Houston Texas. We have helped each other in good and troubled times ever since. I will truly miss him, but will always have the comfort in my soul for having Paul in my life these many years. John Ostroot
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Robert and Shirley Bookwalter left a message on September 7, 2023:
Our prayers and deepest condolences for the family. We will miss Pastor Paul but remembering the time we had at CLC with our family during many special events.
Rev Marcia Cox left a message on September 3, 2023:
What a wonderful partner in ministry! His leadership helped pave the way for all of us women in ordained ministry and it was an honor to fill in at Community after his retirement. What a gift he was!
John and Marianne Edwards left a message on September 3, 2023:
We met Paul and Geri when we visited DC with Roger (Balettie) one year. It quickly felt like we had known them both all our lives and they made us as welcome as if that were the case. Our sincere condolences from Stratford upon Avon, England.
Grace Lutheran Church - Ft. Washington left a message on September 2, 2023:
In memory of Rev. Paul David Opsahl, Grace Lutheran Church - Ft. Washington lit a candle
Charles Schwab left a message on September 2, 2023:
Our deepest sympathy. He was the real thing, a true and dedicated man of God and a wonderful human being. He left this world a better place and we who had the privilege of knowing him have had our lives forever enriched. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of the God he served so faithfully and well. Sincerely, Charles & Sindy Schwab, Arvada Colorado
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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