Opal Leona Brekke

Opal Leona Brekke was born on October 17, 1922 to Henry and Betsy Sorenson Hanson in Worth County, Iowa. She moved with her family to Albert Lea at age 4. Opal worked at Dahl's grocery before her marriage. She married Clarence Brekke on April 5, 1944 at the First Lutheran parsonage in Albert Lea, MN. The couple moved to the Hartland area where they farmed. Opal loved the farm and helping with chores. She was a member of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, the women's group, Joy Circle and taught Sunday School when her children were young. Opal was also a member of the Hartland Legion Auxiliary. She loved to spend time with her family. She enjoyed baking, knitting, and playing cards and games with her family. Even throughout her health struggles Opal remained very sharp and had a great sense of humor. Survivors include her husband, Clarence; children Bonnie Gerry Guttormson of Wyoming, MI, Robert Chris Brekke of North Mankato, MN, Michael Robin Brekke of Hartland, MN, and Linda Brekke of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren, Eric Jill Guttormson, Keith Sara Guttormson, Aaron Michelle Guttormson, Emily Brekke John Honetschlager, Melinda Brekke, Mitch Brekke and Jenna Brekke; great-grandchildren, Lea and Claire Guttormson, Evan and Anna Guttormson, Luke, Lance and Isaac Guttormson, and Lexi Honetschlager; sisters-in-law, Arline Hanson and Alpha Brekke, many nieces, nephews and friends. Opal was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Myrtle and husband Helmer Troe, Marvel and husband Claude Perkins, Judith Wick; brothers, Harlan and LuVerne Hanson; brothers-in-law; Melvin Jeanette Brekke, Ivan Nora Brekke, and Sam Brekke; sisters-in-law, Nanny Nels Erlandson, Margret Chester Ness, Julia Ray Nelsen, and Ina Wilfred Olson. Memorials are preferred to the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church.