Susan Rae Opsahl

Susan Rae (Zabel) Opsahl died on March 6, 2023 after a debilitating battle with "atypical" Parkinson's disease. Susan was 73 years old and died as she wished, at home and with her loved ones surrounding her. Susan was born June 18, 1949 in St Paul, Minnesota, the second child of four to Ina (Lacy) and Theodore Zabel. Susan met the love of her life, David Opsahl, in high school. After graduation Susan enrolled at Gustavus Adolphus College, earned a BA in nursing and worked at the VA hospital for 27 years, the last 19 years caring for end-of-life patients in their homes. She demonstrated compassion and empathy for those in her care during their final days, and cared deeply for those whom she helped. Susan was a charming, warm, and genuine person. When meeting strangers she would take the time to meet them where they were, without judgement and with compassion. She was a role model to all who knew her. She gave of her time and effort with charitable organizations, teaching all of us what it is like to give freely. She had an adventurous spirit and often said "it isn't an adventure if there isn't a dragon in it," when things didn't go quite according to plan. She traveled with David to five continents and took advantage of every opportunity to explore new parts of the world, cultures, and experiences. Susan loved her family with her whole heart, especially her grandchildren. She was adored by all who called her Grandma. She may not have been the baking and sewing kind of grandmother but her grandchildren always knew she was their biggest cheerleader. Susan is survived by her husband of 52 years, David; their two daughters Kristina (Thomas) Foley and Jessica (Kevin) Kopish; grandchildren Grace Smith, Lee Brownlee, Susan Kopish, Colin Kopish, and Cyrus Foley; sister Debra (Bruce Syhre) Gibson; sister-in-law Linda Zabel; many loving nieces and nephews, and many loving grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her parents Ina and Theodore Zabel, brothers Gary Zabel and Wesley Zabel, and sister-in-law Joan Zabel. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30 from 4-8 PM, at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell funeral home in Shoreview, MN. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 31 from 10-11AM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St Paul, MN followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. A private family burial is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116 or to the food bank of your choosing.

Tributes

Susan Rae Opsahl

June 18, 1949 - March 6, 2023

Tributes

Susan Rae Opsahl

June 18, 1949 - March 6, 2023

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