Dorothy Pettys-Opstedal

Dorothy Pettys-Opstedal, 78, of Minot, ND, died on June 17, 2026, in the comfort of her home after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's for many years. She passed under the care of hospice surrounded by her loved ones.

Dorothy Ann Pettys-Opstedal was born on December 22, 1947, the third child of the late Anfin and Berniece (Brietzke) Nesdahl. She was born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, earning her high school diploma from Minot High in 1965.

A couple of years later, Dorothy was united in marriage to Dennis Pettys. Shortly thereafter, the two hippies moved to Minneapolis to take on big city life. In 1968, Dorothy’s pride and joy was born, Tara-Lyn Donna Jean Pettys (Gregg). The two girls then moved back to the Magic City where Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education as well as her Master of Science in Learning Disabilities from Minot State College. It was Dorothy and Tara against the world. Upon graduating, Dorothy first worked as a teacher in Rugby for two years before returning to her former stomping grounds in Minot. However, that did not last long, as Daryl Opstedal proposed in 1983, swooping her off her feet right back to Rugby, where they resided on a farm while Dorothy spent her days teaching Special Education for Rolette County Public Schools. From there, she taught at the Ojibwa Indian School in Belcourt until retirement.

Dorothy loved deeply and lived with a gentle heart. She was as sweet as the chocolate she adored and the frosting she could not get enough of. An avid lover of nature, Dorothy could spend hours walking, taking in every trail and scenic view. She loved all animals and would quite literally never hurt even a fly, being the Caring Cat Lady to more cats than she could count, as well as a multitude of dogs and fish. In 2006, she welcomed her first grandchild to the world. A darling girl named Triniti, from whom she gained her favorite name, Grandma “Brahma.” Four years and one day later, she welcomed her precious grandson, Isaiah. And you can’t forget about her great-granddog, Truffles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anfin and Berniece Nesdahl; her brother, Gary Nesdahl; and her former husbands, Dennis Pettys and Daryl Opstedal.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Tara Gregg, and her two grandchildren: Triniti and Isaiah, all of Minot, ND. She is survived by her sister, Sharon Apland, and her brother, Charles (Michelle) Nesdahl, in Minot, ND. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will also mourn Dorothy, the wonderful woman who is loved by so many.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Our Redeemer’s Church in Minot. (700 16th Ave SE, Minot, ND 58701)