Opal Forsell

Long-time Wadena resident and former Wadena Public Library Board member, Opal Forsell died December 2, 2011, at the age of 102, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Opal Cecelia Sherman was the fourth of five children born to George and Ida (Otte) Sherman of rural Ulen, MN on February 24, 1909. She graduated in 1926 from the Ulen High School. Opal received her teaching certificate from Moorhead Normal School and taught in rural schools near Twin Valley and Perley, MN. On August 31, 1932 she married Albert B. Forsell. They farmed, raised their family of four children and were active in the Wild Rice Church and the Twin Valley community. The County Extension Homemakers Club, 4-H, and the School Board Mothers club were a special focus for Opal. Albert died in 1962 and Opal returned to Moorhead State College to complete her Bachelors Degree. For 10 years she was school librarian in the Menahga Public Schools. At the same time she moved to Wadena, MN and shared a home with her sister, Margaret Sherman. Opal valued the friendship of family, friends and neighbors. Over a long span of years she kept an active correspondence and interest with a wide circle of friends. Always she was an engaged member of her church, community organizations, and activities. Her years of service on the Wadena Public Library Board and the Kitchigami Regional Library Board were particularly important to her. She and her sister Margaret were consummate gardeners and their Wadena neighbors enjoyed their flower gardens with them. She especially treasured her grandchildren and maintained a special relationship with each of them. A great gift in her last years was the arrival of her 15 great-grandchildren. Opal was predeceased by her parents; siblings Donald, Merle, Lawrence, and Margaret Sherman; her husband Albert; and daughter Jenny Vergin. Survivors include her son Dennis (Elaine) Forsell of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter Carol (Jack) Duoos of Coon Rapids, MN, and daughter Gail (Richard) Pierson of Federal Way, WA; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena with Pastor Marilyn Breckenridge officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Wild Rice Cemetery near Twin Valley.

Opal Forsell

February 24, 1909 - December 2, 2011