Rev. Dr. Paul M. Opsahl

OPSAHL PAUL

Rev. Dr. Paul M. Opsahl, age 91, of Sioux Falls, SD and formerly of Yankton, passed away peacefully Tuesday August 12, 2025 surrounded by his family at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls while under hospice care. Rev. Paul’s funeral service is Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm, in the Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow Rummel Village, 1310 W. Dow Rummel, Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation is Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 4 to 6 pm, in the Halladay-Peterson Chapel with a Scripture service and memory sharing at 6:00 pm.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at Dow Rummel. Interment is Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Riverside Memorial Cemetery, 1726 W Melgaard Rd, Aberdeen, SD.

Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com . The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with Paul’s arrangements. To view Paul’s service life stream, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/qxVqR .

Reverend Doctor Paul M. Opsahl, a beloved retired minister, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, relative and friend whose kindness touched all who knew him, passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of ninety-one, surrounded by his family while in hospice care at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD. Throughout his life Paul was a guiding light offering comfort and compassion. His wonderful sense of humor brought laughter to family, friends and congregants. Paul’s unwavering faith and gentle spirit were matched by his ability to find joy in the everyday and to share that joy with others.

Paul began life in Minneapolis, MN to Marvel Grange Opsahl and Paul W. Opsahl on July 2, 1934, and grew up in Aberdeen, SD. Following high school, he attended Yankton College, graduating in 1958. While at Yankton College he met and fell in love with Marley Ann Brosz and they were married in Tripp, SD. In this union, they had a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Kim. Paul continued his education at Hartford Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1960 in the United Church of Christ Congregational Church.

Rev. Paul served UCC congregations in Cannon Falls and Owatonna, MN, Redfield and Wheaton, SD and Fort Dodge, IA. He served as interim pastor in Yankton and Vermillion, SD and Crete, NE. Upon retiring he worked as a grief counselor at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton.

Rev. Paul was a faithful spiritual servant leader who ministered with conviction and humility. He guided congregants through joyous and challenging times, shepherding people and encouraging them to discover common ground within their differences. Paul had a heart for service and an ability to bring people together. In his presence, you could always count on a smile, quick wit, and a perfectly timed story.

As a minister, Paul understood that faith was not just words spoken from the pulpit, but actions lived out in our everyday lives. He had a way of seeing and accepting people as their authentic and true selves.

Paul left each parish with growth in membership and increased church and community service programs. In Redfield, under his guiding hand, the congregants built a new fellowship hall and updated the classrooms and sanctuary.  Additionally, Paul worked with the Redfield community to build two much needed homes for the elderly. Paul and Marley spearheaded the Redfield Meals on Wheels program and an Arts Council. In Fort Dodge, the church expanded its strong musical program to include stringed instruments during Sunday services.

Paul enjoyed singing with Mons Choir, a Norwegian men’s group in Sioux Falls. He was an avid reader enjoying biographies, history and keeping up with current events.

Rev. Paul was recognized for his many professional achievements and community endeavors. Yankton College awarded Paul with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity and a chapel was named in his honor.

Paul served on the Yankton College Board of Trustees and as President of its Alumni Association; President of the Redfield Housing Authority; President of the Redfield and Yankton Area Arts Councils, and Chairman, Vice-Chairman and moderator for the SD Conference of the UCC Church, in addition to many other civic activities.

Survivors include his wife Marley Ann of 66 years, son Kevin Opsahl (Courtney) and daughter Kim Opsahl-Heier (Richard Evnen), and many nieces and nephews. His ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren brought him much joy.

He was preceded in death by parents Paul W. and Marvel Opsahl, brothers Harvey (Billie) and Hamilton (Mary Jane) Opsahl. Mother and father-in-law, Herbold and Edna Brosz, brother-in-law Dennis Brosz, sister and brother-in-law Jeanus (Brosz) and Jack Koenig.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Paul’s memory with a donation to Placerville Camp, 13801 SD-44, Rapid City, SD 57702 ( www.placervillecamp.net ) or to Doane University for the Opsahl Scholarship Fund, 1014 Boswell Ave., Crete, NE 68333 ( www.doane.edu .)  Cards and letters may be sent to the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, 601 West 21 ^st Street, Yankton, SD 57078.