Opal Irene Peterson

Opal Irene Wisness was born Nov. 20, 1917 at Heimdal, North Dakota to Henry Carl and Kenty (Fryer) Wisness.

She was baptized at Heimdal and confirmed at South Viking Church near Maddock, ND in 1933. Those were the depression years and Opal lived on the farm with 3 brothers, Sydney, Carl and Kenneth. There was no refrigeration, no electricity, no crops. Her parents worked hard at planting a garden, milking cows, tending the chickens, etc. They always had food on the table. Opal went to Aggie School in Maddock graduating in 1935. She entered nurses training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby graduating in 1939. She worked at St. Luke’s in Fergus Falls.

Opal married Chester E. Peterson, at the South Viking Church. Chester went into the service in 1942. He spent 4 years in service, 2 years overseas. Opal worked at various hospitals wherever he was stationed. After he went overseas, she worked at St. Luke’s in Fargo and the Vets Hospital. She attended Olivet Lutheran Church with her uncle Sigurd. Upon Chester’s return from WW II they made their home in Rugby. Opal continued her nursing career after the children were born. She belonged to the VFW Auxiliary, First Lutheran Church and the Good Samaritan Nurses Alumni. Chester died at age 91, after 64 years of marriage. Opal then moved to Fargo to be near her family.

She is survived by sons, Charles (Darlene) Peterson, West Fargo; Richard (Peggy) Peterson, Fargo; 4 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester; parents, Henry and Kenty; three brothers, Hank (Carl) Wisness, Sydney Wisness and Kenneth Wisness; and a great-great-granddaughter.