Wendell Kopperud

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.