BJARNE H. OPPEDAHL

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Bjarne H. Oppedahl, 85, formerly of Fort Dodge, died June 19, 2008, suddenly of a heart attack. Bjarne was born in Fister, Norway on Oct. 23, 1922 to Ole and Bertha Lee Oppedahl. He attended school in Thor, later in Ottosen. Bjarne served in the United States Navy on a transport carrier from 1940 through 1946. During that time, he became a U.S. citizen. Bjarne married Darlene Otto on April 24, 1948. They made their home in Fort Dodge.

Bjarne owned and operated a grocery for four years before starting with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. He retired from the Post Office in 1982. At that time, Bjarne and Darlene moved to Vero Beach, Fla. Bjarne was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was an avid poker player while living in Fort Dodge and became a Junior Master bridge champion in Florida. Bjarne played tennis and shuffleboard while living in Florida.

After the passing of Darlene, Bjarne married Audrey Foley in Vero Beach in 1996.

Bjarne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Esther, brothers Harold and Knut, and wife Darlene.

He is survived by his wife Audrey; daughters Pam Reeck (Marty) of Humboldt, Ann Rodenborn (Jim) of Fort Dodge, Carol Raner (Larry) of Duncombe, Joyce of Clearfield, Utah; son Mark of Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers Oscar of Humboldt and Richard of Rapid City, S.D.; and eight grandchildren.

Bjarne’s ashes will be interred in Vero Beach. A memorial service will be held in Vero Beach on Tuesday. The Cox-Gifford Funeral Home, Vero Beach, is in charge of arrangements.