Gladys Opal Parel

Opal Parel, age 97, passed away surrounded by family on the evening of Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at the Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls, WI. Gladys Opal Ostenson was born March 5th, 1926 in Clayton, WI to Jacob and Tilly Ostenson. She was the youngest child and the only daughter in a family of five boys, so she held a special place in her parents' hearts.
After graduating high school in 1944, she began working at Citizens Bank in Clayton, where she met the love of her life, Elmer Parel. They were joined in marriage March 6, 1946. After the loss of their infant daughter, Elaine, Opal and Elmer worked with Lutheran Social Services to complete their family. Together they raised LuAnn, Kathy, and David.
Opal was a lifelong active member of Bethany Lutheran/Peace Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She overcame many obstacles in her life, and her strong faith and love for Jesus got her through them all. She worked at St. Croix Memorial Hospital for 28 years in accounts payable. Opal also served a few years as President of the hospital auxiliary. Opal was deeply caring. She would do anything for her family and was their pillar of strength and support.
Opal will forever be missed by her daughter Kathy; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt), Ashley (Steve), Sean (Mikayla), Joshua, Cody (Tisha), and Kaitlin (Ryder); and great-grandchildren, David, Lindsey, Janelle, Fiona, James Jr, Ivy, Jade, Sam, Gunner, Khylah, Caden, Aiden, Abel, Konnar, Harper, and Henry.
Opal is now reunited in Heaven with her loving husband Elmer; infant daughter Elaine; daughter LuAnn; son David; son-in-law Dana; grandson Paul; and great-granddaughter Kylie.
The family would like to thank the staff at Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation and Moments Hospice for their loving care and support.
Memorial service will be 11:00AM Friday, November 10, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser, WI. Visitation 2 hours prior. Private burial to be held at a later date.