Francis Lane Ophaug

Francis L. Ophaug passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 2, at his home in rural Larimore, North Dakota, at the age of 80.

Francis was born to Arthur and Ruth (Anderson) Ophaug on April 30, 1941, in McVille, North Dakota.   After graduating from McVille High School (1959), he attended NDSU. Francis was drafted into the US Army in 1963. He served in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Upon return he attended flight school and became a licensed commercial pilot.

Among his favorite interests and hobbies were raising and showing Arabian horses, downhill skiing, woodworking and collecting antiques.

For the last 33 years Francis has owned and operated Arvilla Bookkeeping and Tax Services.

Francis has been a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. He was a member of the Emerado-Arvilla Lions Club and was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Award.

Francis married Grace (Larson) on January 14, 1978, and is survived by Grace, their son, Brandon Ophaug, and daughters, Abby (Steve) Johnson and Karla (Gregory) Messner. He is also survived by grandsons Cody (Brittany) Johnson, Brock (Calah) Messner, Brent Messner, and Bryce (Taylor) Messner along with four great grandchildren, Vivian, Adalai, Norah, and Macklan Messner. He is also survived by Norma Ophaug, sister-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Roger, and sister-in-law, Annette, his brother, Darrel, and his granddaughter, Allie Johnson.

SERVICES for Francis will be on Monday, February 7, at 1:00pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Larimore. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.   Military Honors will be provided by the Ted Valerius Post 97 of the Larimore American Legion and the North Dakota Army Honor Team.

Francis was an avid Bison fan and Teammaker. Feel free to wear your Bison apparel to the service.

Burial will be at a later date at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.