Marlene Gail Opland, 82, Moorhead, MN and formerly of Des Lacs, ND died on Friday, February 24, 2017 in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Marlene was born on March 3, 1934 in Williston to Ralph and Lela (Etter) Waterman. She was reared and educated in Bismarck until 1945 when the family moved to Minot. She graduated from Minot High School in 1952. She continued her education at the Trinity School of Nursing and graduated in 1955 as a registered nurse.

Marlene married Gene Opland on June 1, 1957 in Minot, ND. They made their home in Des Lacs for 57 years and Marlene was employed at Trinity Hospital for a short time before she worked for various doctors at Northwest Clinic (among them Dr. Angus Cameron, Dr. Frank Nagle, and Dr. Richard Dormont) until her retirement in 1992. Marlene and Gene moved to Moorhead, MN in 2014 to be near their family.

Marlene was a longtime member of First Baptist Church - Minot and its XYZ Group, Church Choir and was a Sunday School teacher. She was also a member of the Trinity School of Nursing Alumni Association. "Grandma Popcorn" (as she was affectionally called by her grandchildren) especially enjoyed sewing (creating flannel baby blankets for each grandchild and great grandchildren and many other newborns), yardwork, quilting, traveling, watching sporting events and spending time with her family. Marlene led CEF 5-day clubs for neighborhood children and Bible studies for neighbor ladies in her home for many years. Along with Gene, she helped organize XYZ road trips to destinations such as the Black Hills; Branson, MO; Spearfish; Medora; the Peace Gardens; the Frostfire in Walhalla, ND and Winnipeg, Manitoba; where she emceed on the bus, entertaining the group with her humorous stories and jokes. She and Gene wintered in Florida often, where she enjoyed her time by the pool and making new friends. Their trip to Israel with a group from FBC led by Dr. Lou Petrie was especially meaningful, walking in the very steps where her Lord and Savior walked. Marlene was a true pen pal. Her countless cards and letters to family and friends brought encouragement and laughter, but also clearly expressed her love for God and His promises.

Marlene's loving family includes her husband of 59 years: Gene; children: Grant (Cynthia) Opland of Spokane, Corene (Rod) Buxa of Anamoose, Bonita (Kevin) Vinje of Maricopa AZ, Diane (Daryl) Frueh of West Fargo, Jane (Todd) Hickling of Culpeper VA and Betty (Randy) Davy of Moorhead; 25 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brother: Jule (Lucille) Waterman of Corsicana TX and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter: Breanna Frueh.

Celebration of the Life of Marlene Opland: Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation : Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the church.
Memorials are preferred to the XYZ Group or Child Evangelism Fellowship: P.O. Box 3579, Minot, ND, 58702.