Robert A. ‘Buddy’ Opsahl

Robert was born July 17, 1938, in Channing, son of the late Alfred and Ethel (Fraley) Opsahl. He was a proud veteran and served in the United States Army. Buddy was a union millwright and worked at various paper mills across the midwest for many years.

He was a longtime member of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 and the VFW Post 3674, both in Iron Mountain. Buddy loved socializing and cherished the many friendships he made at the VFW and Legion over the years and more recently at ProMedica. He enjoyed fishing and dancing and was an avid Packer fan.

Buddy is survived by his children, Brenda (Aaron) Kranz, Gregg (Linda) Opsahl, Tom (Gail) Opsahl and Rick (Audra) Opsahl; a son-in-law, Joe Mitchell; a stepson, Pete Vicenzi; a stepdaughter, Tina (Dave) Beaudoin; a brother, Jim Opsahl; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Just a few hours after Buddy passed, his beloved daughter, Chris Mitchell, also passed away following a battle with cancer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Mack; a sister, Helen Antes; a brother, Sonny Opsahl; his first wife and mother of his children, Sonja; his wife, Phyllis Opsahl; and his wife, Janice Opsahl in 2019; a stepson, Nick Vicenzi.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Channing Cemetery. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military honors.

A celebration of life with a luncheon will be held at the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Hall at 916 River Ave. Iron Mountain, starting at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Buddy may be made to the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert “Buddy” Opsahl online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.