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Milo Martin Oppegaard, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. Milo was born on June 22, 1938 in Albert Lea, MN to Evelyn D. Peterson Oppegaard, and Martin R. Oppegaard. Milo attended many colleges/universities before attending Concordia College in Morehead MN where he concentrated his studies on Physics and Mathematics and finished at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. It was at Augsburg that Milo met his first wife, Dawn Johnson, and started his teaching career at Clara City, MN. In spring of 1965, Milo put in for a teaching position in Alaska, but was offered a position at Luther Collegiate in Regina Saskatchewan. This is where he met and developed a life long friendship with Judy and Julian Grev. After about a year of teaching in Canada, Milo and Dawn moved back to the states to Chisago Lakes. On September, 17, 1966 Milo and Dawn had a baby girl, Kirsten, but on October 8, there was a car accident where unfortunately Dawn and Kirsten were killed.
Fall of 1967, Milo’s sister-in-law, Ardis encouraged Milo to meet Betty Lou Johnson, a nurse and parish worker at Ezekiel Lutheran. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1968, in Almelund, MN.
Milo had many hobbies, but the ones he enjoyed the most were riding his John Deere tractor taking naps, and tinkering with something in the garage or basement. Milo also spent many years playing fiddle with the ASI Spelmanslag (Swedish fiddling group) in Minneapolis. Milo enjoyed being grandpa “papa” to Rakel and Mirand Nevzoroff-Oppegaard and Alex Rehbein as well as his “adopted” grandchildren, Ross and Delores Nevzoroff.
Milo is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Martin; first wife, Dawn; daughter, Kirsten; and brother, Paul. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; son, Erik (Ann Nevzoroff); daughter, Grete (Chad) Rehbein; grandchildren, Rakel and Miranda Nevoroff-Oppegaard, Ross and Delores Nevzoroff, and Alexis Rehbein.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00AM at HOPE Lutheran Church (3337 Kingsbarn Ave) in River Falls with a visitation starting at 10:00AM. Interment was in Kinnickinnic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
22 Comments
Ohh Milo. Were so sorry to hear. Hoping he is breathing free in heaven playing lots of music. Sending prayers for all of you
Milo was one of the best teachers I ever had. he really cared for his students. He is missed but in a good place now.
Peace be with Milo, Betty Lou and the entire family..
Betty Lou and family, I am so sorry to hear of Milo’s passing. He was such an amazing man- from teacher to fellow church member to mentor. I will always fondly remember our Habitat for Humanity trip where he and I got to tile a bathroom together and have numerous discussions about life. He is just one teacher that led me into science. Lifting you each up in prayer as you mourn and remember.
Mr. Oppegarde was one of my best and favorite teachers. I always thought he cared about us, his students, and his classes prepared me well for an education and career in science. Thank you.
Cherished memories of a great man! He touched so many lives in school, on boards and in his family. His gentle ways made him a giant in our eyes. Thank you Milo! Hugs for Betty Lou and family.
The loss of such a longtime dear friend, fellow canoeist, teacher, theologian , environmentalist, and reader cuts deeply into all of our hearts. May blessings, comfort, and healing flow even more deeply from God’s gracious presence for Betty Lou and family and friends. Shalom with love, bill and kay
Thank you for finding words for my heart’s pain.
My sympathy goes out to you & your family Betty Lou
We will miss Milo so very much. Our sincere condolences to Betty Lou and family. He was a mentor, teacher and inspiration to so many. His legacy will live on.
Prayers to Betty Lou and family he was an amazing man to know, Awonderful Christan man, you have earned your crown of glory Milo! May yu RIP.
Thank you for the positive impact you had on so many. My condolences to Betty Lou and family. I was a bit surprised to see Milo at the Bluegrass Festival in April. Yet, there he was with his oxygen tank and we had the chance to talk and play harmonica. I’m so grateful to have known Milo.
Betty Lou & family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Milo was such a kind & talented man. Proud to have called him a cousin.
God Bless!
Milo was an incredible human being. Kind, compassionate and caring. A gentle wise sou. A fabulous teacher and educator. May peace be granted to all those whose lives he touched. Betty Lou and family and friends, rest assured his spirit lives on!
He made physics make sense. Mr. Oppegatd was the most insightful and caring science teacher one could ever imagine. His interest in people, in solar energy and Scandinavian fiddling made him a Renaissance man. He’s remembered gratefully.
A dear friend colleague fellow Fiddler missing so many good times we had together but thankful that we had them
Milo was one of the best teachers I ever had. He prepared and inspired me for my path in life. I think of him often in my teaching and try to emulate his joy, clarity, and thoughtfulness. He lives on in many hearts and minds.
What a wonderful witness to God’s Grace for all through Milo’s congeniality and constancy of care for his family, students and church.. His legacy will bless many. God uphold you, Betty Lou, and your family. Lyle
Betty Lou and family, you have our sympathy on the loss of Milo. I know Charis is probably welcoming him Home.
Oh, Betty Lou, I’m so sorry about your broken heart. I just saw Milo’s obituary, today. My condolences to your entire family.
Betty Lou, so sorry to near of Milo’s passing. He was such a nice and kind hearted man. Hope your family is there supporting you through this difficult time.
Betty Lou I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Peace and comfort to you & your family, sent with my Love and prayers.
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