Robert K. Opsahl

Robert Opsahl, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 30th with his family by his side. In heaven, he is probably encouraging people to shape up whether that be in wrestling or choice of appropriate attire-i.e. belt and tie.

He was born July 8, 1932, and graduated from Cameron High School in Wisconsin, where he played football and was on the boxing team. Bob married Jo Ann Jones on September 3, 1955, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their union was blessed for 69 years with 4 children: Lee, Craig, Ann and Peggy. He had been under hospice care for over a year but still managed to meet his guys’ group for coffee twice a week.

Bob served his country in the Army 85th Regimental, 10th Mountain Division as a Drill Sergeant training troops for Korea. After his duty, he attended UW-Eau Claire on the GI Bill with a degree in Education. He and Jo Ann hold fond memories of their time in “Silver City”-Quonset hut student Veteran Housing units in Eau Claire. He received his Master’s Degree in School Administration from UW-Superior. 

Bob began his career at Merrill High School as a history teacher, football and wrestling coach. He started the wrestling program in Merrill and took the team to win State Finals in 1970. He was a Golden M’er for his coaching and in the Merrill Wresters Hall of Fame for his wrestling contributions. Bob worked as the Merrill High School Assistant Principal before going on to serve as Assistant Superintendent and finally as Interim Superintendent at both the Merrill and Wausau School districts before his retirement from education. In his retirement, he obtained his Series 7 Security license and sold bonds to school districts to help fund their operating costs.

Gas engines, tractors and private flying were some of his interests in his free time. Bob and Jo Ann hosted 2 foreign exchange students (Kim McDonald-Australia and Karoline Sollenfjell-Sweden) and a foreign exchange student teacher (Kenji Yoshi-Japan) over the years. Bob was active in the Merrill Lions and received the Birch-Sturm Fellowship from the Wisconsin Lions in 2001. He and Jo Ann made over 19 trips to St. Lucia volunteering with the Good News Project where Bob helped build houses for the residents. Bob was also active in service to the City of Merrill by his time on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Airport Commission as well as being instrumental in the saving of Old City Hall and founding the Merrill Historical Society. Bob and Jo Ann received a Hall of Fame Award for Lifetime Community Service to Merrill from the Merrill Chamber of Commerce. Travel to Europe and Asia, including many river cruises, was a favorite activity for them. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, Bob’s visit to Norway was a notable trip.

Bob and Jo Ann were proud members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church since their move to Merrill in 1958. Over the years, Bob served as the President of the Church Council and Principal of the Sunday School.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, three children: Lee Opsahl (Stacy Stevens), Ann Kuehn (Jim) and Peggy Riley (Devell); 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Mae (Thomas), brother Ron (MaryAnn), sister Jo Ann Larsen (Bob) and beloved son Craig. 

The memorial service for Bob will be held at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Friday, January 10, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church. Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lincoln County Humane Society or charity of choice.