Bennie Leroy Opperud

Bennie LeRoy Opperud, age 84 of Viroqua, died early Thursday morning, December 21, 2006 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua where he had been a resident since June 3, 2004. He was born in rural LaFarge, Wis. (on Sand Hill) on September 18, 1922 to Elmer Joseph and Ingeborg Sophie (Salversen) Opperud. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Sand Hill Lutheran Church. He attended Sand Hill Rural School and graduated from Cashton High School in 1940. On August 9, 1952 he was united in marriage to Beverly Virak at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Farming was Bennies life and he spent most of his working years on the home farm on Sand Hill. His many nieces and nephews joined him during the summer months on "The Farm". He worked at the Viroqua Dairy for a short time before retiring. He was a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club Aerie #2707. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly; many nieces; nephews; great nieces; great nephews; two sisters-in-law: Minnie (Mickey) Pafford of Mesa, AZ and Evelyn Arentz of Eau Claire, WI; and one cousin, Arnold Hagen of LaFarge, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Altha Gudgeon; and one brother-in-law, Ishmael Gudgeon. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Blessed be his memory. The family wishes to thank the Bethel Home staff, Vernon Memorial Hospital, Dr. Koons and staff, Pastor Jason Stanton and Pastor Steve Fossum for all the care Bennie received during his stay at Bethel Home. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Pastor Jason Stanton will officiate with burial in the Bethany Sand Hill Cemetery, rural LaFarge. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Sand Hill Church or the Bethel Home. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.