Linda Lorine (Werlinger) Opp

Published March 08, 2021 at 10:14 AM

Linda was born in Edgeley, ND on Sept. 28th, 1943, and died peacefully in the care of her family on Feb 27, 2021. Cancer took her body, but it could not crush her buoyant spirit.

Linda grew up in Edgeley, the second eldest of 12 siblings. She loved every one of them: Larry Werlinger, David John, deceased, Dianna Schumacher (Wayne, deceased), Phyllis Langewisch (John), Margie Asche (James), Barb Nagel (Lee), Tim Werlinger, deceased (Peg), Mary Jo Kessel, Susan Huber (Allen), Loren Werlinger, and Vicki Grosfield (Bob).

After high school, Linda completed State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND, to become a teacher in 1962. Linda’s legacy as a gifted teacher is seen in her deep commitment to each student and her ability to recognize the strengths of each child she taught. Linda finished her Baccalaureate at Mankato State University in 1979 and continued teaching full-time while completing a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1986. When Linda decided to move her family to Yuma, Arizona, she taught full time in the Yuma public school system as a special education teacher until she retired in 2012. While she was a strong advocate for her special education students, she made many cherished friendships with her colleagues.

While teaching at her first teach job in Eureka, SD, Linda met Allen Opp, who became the love of her lifetime. Allen and Linda were married June 6th, 1965. They then had three children whom they adored: Steven (1969), Melissa (1971), and Jeremy (1981).

Linda treasured her many friends, and was remembered for her vivacious personality and quick humor. She was rarely serious for long, and lifted the spirits of her friends and co-workers. Linda lived her Christian faith with her genuine care for anyone in need. Her dinner table was always ready for spontaneous guests, which the kids brought home regularly. All were welcome in Linda’s house.

Linda is survived by her husband, Allen; son Steven and his children Kristen, 22, and Daniel, 20; daughter Melissa, her husband Michael, and their children Ariana, 17, and Orion, 13; and her youngest son, Jeremy and his wife Laura, and their daughter Alexis, 8.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother Frieda (Thom) Werlinger; father Michael Werlinger; her brothers Tim Werlinger and David John Werlinger; and also her daughter-in-law Inga Opp (Steven).

As per Linda’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Linda couldn’t bear the idea of people being sad about her, and asked us to remember her while laughing and having fun with good company. There will be a Celebration of Life in honor of Linda in Edgeley, North Dakota this spring/summer, date to be determined.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to an organization for which Linda volunteered, the Assistance League of Yuma, Operation School Bell, which helps provide school clothes for Yuma children in need: https://www.assistanceleague.org/yuma/philanthropic-programs/. Contributions in her memory to any educational organization would also be welcome, as Linda strongly believed in the importance of education. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.