Wendell Kopperud

Wendell Kopperud

July 12, 1937 - July 13, 2021

Send Flowers

Obituary

Wendell Kopperud, 84, Jamestown, ND died Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Eventide Care Center in Jamestown, ND.

Wendell was born July 12, 1937 in Nome, ND and was raised by Hjalmar and Ida Kopperud. He attended and graduated Nome High School. He moved on to Valley City State College to pursue teaching and earned his degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, Morris.

He married Judy Benson on February 20, 1960. They lived in Nome, Valley City, ND, Benson, MN, and then moved to Wheaton, MN where Wendell taught elementary school until his retirement. Wendell and Judy then returned to North Dakota to be closer to their family.

Wendell’s biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had his quick wit and a smile. He enjoyed working with wood and sharing his projects with others. Wendell enjoyed telling stories of his past, especially his time in Nome, ND. After his retirement from teaching, Wendell spent many years filling in as lay pastor for several churches throughout Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. He loved getting to know the members of the churches in several rural communities. Wendell loved to spend time in his garden and enjoyed looking at the gardens of others. He had a passion for looking at classic cars, going through car parking lots, and going for a drive at any time. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, even when it made him “mad in the face”.

He was a member of the New Hope Free Lutheran Church.

He is survived by 2 sons, Wayne (Sarah) Kopperud, Oakes, ND; Ross (Angie) Kopperud, Jamestown, ND; 9 grandchildren, Jessica (Paul) Skeie, Nathan (Alexis), Carson, Jackson, Cayne (Brooke), Courtney (Jacob), Codee, Piper and Luca; he also loved 3 step-grandchildren, Chad, Chet, and Chanell (Dale); several great grandchildren; brothers Glenn Kopperud, Moorhead, MN; Bob (Lillian) Kopperud, Fargo, ND; Duane Bayliss, Enderlin, ND, and sisters Agnes Rodlin, Denver, CO and Debbie (Mike) Bender, Minto, ND.

Wendell was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his parents, 1 daughter, Karla, 1 step-grandson, Chris, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Events

There are no events for Wendell yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Wendell
No photos of Wendell have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Wendell
CS
Carol Sailer
Other •
Wendell and Judy were our neighbors for years while in Wheaton. We enjoyed visiting, having coffee and playing cards. I alway will think of them when I look at the house across the street. See you again when my time comes!
AB
Andrea Buzunis
Other •
Wendell was so kind and gracious to me. I will never forget his thoughtfulness. May his memory be eternal!Andrea Buzunis
KJ
Kit Johnson
Other •
The Kopperuds were our neighbors for many years. Sorry for your loss.
CA
Carly (Raguse) Anderson
Other •
Mr. Kopperud was an all-time favorite that we were so lucky to have as our 6th grade teacher in Wheaton. He made learning fun & Ill never forget how he was able to uplift our spirits if we were having a bad day. Thinking of his family during this time.
KB
Kaye (Tait) Belzer
Other •
Dear Kopperud family: My sympathy to you in the loss of your Dad, and grandfather. He was one of my sixth grade teachers at Washington School in Valley City. Always made class fun. He also worked with my Mom at Montgomery Wards in VC when he was going to college, that was when I first met him. Nice man he will be missed by many who knew him. Treasure the memories and the time you had him. God Bless.
TG
Teresa Gray
Other •
Wendell was not only a resident at Eventide but a friend. Played a lot of cards with him. Even with his dementia, he sure could play a good game and won lots! Going to miss you lots buddy! Say hi to Judy, Im sure she was there waiting for you. Lots of love. Your friend Teresa

Share memorial