Beverly J. Opperud

Beverly J. Opperud, age 81 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, October 2, 2007 . Beverly June (Virak) Opperud, age 81 of Viroqua died Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. She was born June 24, 1926 in Westby, WI to Selmer and Millie (Blihovde) Virak. She married Bennie Opperud on August 9, 1952. They farmed until 1970 and then moved to Viroqua. He preceded her in death on December 21, 2006. She graduated from Westby High School in 1944, also the Vernon County Teachers College and University of La Crosse. She had taught at Gilbertson and North Natwick Schools in the Westby School district. After her marriage Bev taught in her home school, Sand Hill then lower Weister in the La Farge School district. She then accepted a position in the Ontario School district where she taught first grade and then kindergarten. She started teaching in the Viroqua Area School system in 1969 at Liberty Pole. She began teaching in Viroqua City Elementary in 1973 when Margaret Burkhardt retired. She was recognized for friendship, compassion, empathy and sense of humor by fellow teachers. Beverly retired from teaching in 1988.She was a member of Bethany Sand Hill Church and belonged to the ALCW. She was also a member of the Vernon County Historical Society and the Viroqua Eagles Auxiliary. She also volunteered many years at the Bethel Home.She is survived by two sisters: Minnie Pafford of Mesa, AZ; Evelyn Arentz of Eau Claire, WI; nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers: Chester and Marvin Virak; three sisters: Minerva Scott, Lavina Roth and Lorraine Fink. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastors Jason Stanton and Lindsay Jordan will officiate with burial in the Bethany Sand Hill Cemetery, rural La Farge. Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Sand Hill Church or the donors choice.The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.