Eileen Opperud

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Eileen Opperud passed away on Saturday, July 2nd at the age 77 with her son Wayne and grandson Brandon at her side after a hard-fought three-year battle with cancer.

Eileen was born October 17, 1933 in Bonetrail, North Dakota on the family farm to Sarah (Modahl) and Jens Vig. Eileen was fourth of 13 children. She graduated from Williston High School in 1949. She met Don Opperud from Alamo, North Dakota and on October 28, 1951 they were married. They had one child, Wayne.

Eileen and Don lived in the Alamo community for three years and would spend the winters in California with relatives. During their time in Williston Eileen worked for Universal Supply, an explosive supply company. In 1962 they located to Billings, Montana where Eileen continued working for Universal Supply. Following that career she then went to work for Tri State Truck & Equipment from which she retired from her bookkeeping duties in 1995. During her retirement years she enjoyed a part time job with her buddy Mabel Dolan at the Yellowstone Camp Ground. Eileen enjoyed meeting campers from all over the country.

Eileen's passions were collecting dolls and attending to her immaculate yard and flowers. Her church and bowling friends were very important to her. She looked forward to every local, state and national bowling tournament. She was a Charter member of Atonement Lutheran Church and the Elks. Everybody knew Eileen's position on politics!

When there was not a National Bowling tournament to attend, Eileen was traveling the world with her sisters and one of her brothers to Germany, Norway, England, France, Mexico and many other destinations. Eileen was very proud of her Norwegian heritage.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Don; her parents; her brothers Dallas, Larry, Jens Jr., twin sisters Carolyn and Marilyn, and Shelene and Judy. Surviving Eileen is her son Wayne and grandson Brandon both of Billings; sister Alteen (Joe), and brother Phalen (Annis) both of Williston, Milo (Louise) and Jerry (Bev) Vig of Grand Junction, Colorado and Virgil (Kathy) Vig of Whittier, California. She is also survived by her sister-in-law LaMae Mitchell of Billings and Elvina Vig of Williston. Along with her family survivors are her special friends from Berlin, Germany, Lothar and Waltraut Feist.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Rocky Mountain Hospice and Home Care and the Sapphire Suites staff.

Services for Eileen will be on Saturday, July 9 at 10:00 am at Atonement Lutheran Church, 407 Wicks Lane, Billings Heights. Fellowship and lunch will be immediately following the service. Cremation has taken place with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial can be made to the Last Chance Cat Sanctuary, 2113 Walter Road, Billings, MT 59105, Ronald McDonald House of Billings, 1144 N 30th, Billings, MT 59101, or charity of choice