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Clair Opsal Obituary
December 11, 1946 - March 22, 2025
Mr. Clair M. Opsal, 78, of Billings, MT, passed away on March 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Billings, MT. Clair was born on December 11, 1946 on the farm near Alamo, ND, the son of Art and Nina Opsal. He was baptized December 29, 1946 at Hauge Lutheran Church.
Clair married the love of his life, Cyndy Dullum, on July 30, 1967 in Alamo, ND. They attended the same high school and graduated from The University of North Dakota. Clair will forever be remembered as a loving husband, a caring father, a dedicated grandfather, and a warm and huggable great-grandfather. Clair had an undying love for the oil business which spanned his entire professional career and well beyond. Through his many years as a petroleum engineer, Clair always made sure to get to know all the people working the fields as well as those in the office. He was dedicated to church, family and the community. Clair never forgot where he grew up and was always quick to lend a hand back on the family farms in North Dakota. He was rarely seen without his signature cowboy hat.
Clair is survived by his wife, Cyndy Opsal; his daughter, Charise Smith (Mark); four grandchildren, Alexis, Tyler, Jorin Smith and Kya Cochran (Shaun); two great grandchildren, Wilder and Evryn; his son, Aaron Opsal; and two grandchildren, Isabel and Oliver; his brothers, Al Opsal, Erv Opsal (Sue); and his sister, Ellen Berg; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great friends.
Clair was preceded in death by his mother, Nina Opsal and father, Art Opsal; his mother-in-law, Eilene Dullum and father-in-law, Roy Dullum; his grandchild, Teagin Smith; his sister-in-law, Evie Opsal; brother-in-law, Steve Berg; and nephew, Sheldon Berg.
A funeral service will be held on April 7, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Billings, MT at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow. Burial will be at Hauge Cemetery in Alamo, ND. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Billings, MT, 537 Grand Ave. Billings, MT 59101; Stillwater Hospice of MT, 3737 Grand Ave. Suite 1 Billings, MT 59102 or Hauge Cemetery, P.O. Box 5 Alamo, ND 58830 in Clair's memory.
Clair's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater Hospice, friends and neighbors during his final days. Clair will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clair Opsal
6 Entries
Paula Lund Burchill
December 8, 2025
Clair is my godfather. He grew up with my dad, and has been a part of my life since my mom and Cyndy walked all over Williston while pregnant with Cherise and me.
I reconnected with Clair and Cyndy 10 or so years ago when my family and I were passing through Billings. It ended up being several trips, and they helped us with rides to the airport, a home to stay in [with luxurious carpet!], and treats for the road.
What I treasure is how Clair quietly was such a wonderful "dad" to me. Early morning or late night airport pick ups and drop offs, checking my car, just making sure me and our family were safe as we passed through. He never made a production of helping, but rather helped in small ways and huge with things I didn't even know I needed.
There is nothing more comforting than knowing that when you're traveling, you have a place that is a home away from home. I will always be grateful to Clair for providing that for me.
Ron and Liz
April 14, 2025
So many great memories. High school, basketball with the Elsville boys Clair, Ervin, John and others. Band with two great baritone players (ha). Such great times. May God be with you Cyndy and family. Love Ron and Liz
Debra and Blair Dear
April 9, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Jim Sogard
April 2, 2025
My deepest sympathies, Cindy, and to your family. He was a good man and he was born a good guy. May he rest in peace and may you have peace.
John
March 26, 2025
Thank you for sharing Clair´s journey and your support for him.
I first met Clair and the other Ellisville Twp students in the fall of 1953 when the Winner & Ellisville schools consolidated.
We all became very good friends only to be separated by our schooling, military service or work after high school in Alamo.
In addition to our school classes we experienced the benefit of team work in school activities and basketball. We played together long enough to have a sixth sense what our next move would be.
We all had much in common and enjoyed each other´s company.
I wish his time could be longer, but our destiny is in a higher powers hands. He will be at the gate to meet us!
Your friend and classmate, John
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