Opal J. Hultberg, 94, Minot, formerly of Wilton, Bismarck and Washburn, died Sunday, September 25, 2011, in a Minot nursing care facility.

Opal was born July 15, 1917 in Chapin, a mining camp located on the east edge of Wilton, ND to Ole J. and Nellie C. Olson. She was raised and educated in Wilton, graduating with the class of 1935.

Opal was employed at the state capitol building until her marriage to Walfred 'Wallie' Hultberg on February 12, 1941 in Bismarck. They lived and raised their family on the Hultberg family farm located in Sverdrup Township of McLean County near Washburn.

During their years in Washburn, Opal was involved in Study Club, the Republican Party and an active member of First Lutheran Church. She served as secretary and was on the building committee and was privileged to take part in the laying of the cornerstone when the church was dedicated in 1960.

Retirement years were spent in Arizona to accommodate Wallie's health until establishing a residence in Bismarck in 1986. Wallie died in December of 1986 in Mesa, AZ. Opal continued to live in Bismarck and Mesa until her health caused her to make a move to Minot to be near family.

Opal had a great love for family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, card playing, crossword puzzles and was a fierce scrabble player. Memberships to First Lutheran Church and American Legion Auxiliary were carried during her life. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in it.

Opal is survived by her children, Doug (Barb) Hultberg, Minot and Bob (Vicki) Hultberg, Poulsbo, WA; grandchildren, Tamie (Kevin) Zacchea, Floral Park, NY, Terri Jo (Mike) Hanson, Fargo, ND, Mike Hultberg, Poulsbo, WA and Debbie (Craig) Connell, Kenmore, WA; step-grandchildren, Deb (Mike) Seminary, Bismarck, ND, Sherri (David) Roberts, Prairie du Sac, WI and Mark (Rachel) Schulz, West Bloomfield, MI; great-grandchildren, Kevin and Owen Zacchea, Tyler, Ely and Kaleb Hanson, and Sammy and Colton Connell; step-great-grandchildren, Lynsey and Morgan Seminary, Evan and Diana Roberts and Mikaela and Kendall Schulz and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wallie, sisters, Pearl Engen and her husband Gordon and Ruth Rutten and her husband Bob and brother, Ollie Olson.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011, at First Lutheran Church, Washburn, ND
Interment: Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND
Visitation: Friday, September 30, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and one hour prior to the start of the service at the church
Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, Washburn, ND.