Vivian Goplen

   Vivian Goplen, 93, of Sheyenne Crossings Eventide, West Fargo, ND (formerly of Hannaford and Cooperstown, ND) passed away on September 11, 2021, under the loving care of Sanford Hospice House on Broadway, Fargo, ND.

   Born on November 6, 1927 on a farm near Karnak, Vivian later moved to a farm near Dazey, ND with her parents, Alfred Sr. and Helen (Jonasen) Skjeret and siblings.  They welcomed many extended family members into their home—these are years that Vivian remembered fondly and shaped her into an outstanding host and cook.

   After attending schools in Walum and Hannaford, Vivian studied at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where she received a degree in socio-psychology and English and established life-long friendships with her roommates there.  They wrote a traveling letter called Round Robin for an impressive 70 years; the letter is still active.  She accepted a teaching position at Forman High School following graduation and also worked in Williston as a social worker.

   One June 28, 1953 she married Gilman Goplen at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Walum.  They farmed and raised their family near Walum and continued to enjoy country life together there until they moved to Cooperstown in 2006.

   Vivian especially enjoyed reading, writing and receiving letters, and family genealogy.  She devoted her time to causes like YCL, Lutheran Ladies Aid, bible studies, church council, and PTA.  She helped create history annuals for St. Olaf Church and the Hannaford Centennial.  She and Gilman loved to travel and visit relatives in both the U. S. and Norway.  Both of them spoke Norwegian well—a skill that helped them form deep connections with family in Norway—connections that we enjoy to this day.  She was an expert lefse maker, Norwegian-English translator and family information keeper.  Above all else in life, Vivian cherished time with her family and friends, and adored time with each and every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

   Vivian is survived by five children: Neal (Astrid) Goplen, Pasco, WA, Gary (Debi) Goplen, West Fargo, ND, Ellen (Herb) Doele, Fargo, ND, Jon (Susan) Goplen, Fargo, ND and Susan (Matt) Stoltz, Bismarck, ND; 13 grandchildren, Jared Goplen, Blake Goplen, Shanna (Garner) Alzheimer, Freja Elrod, Chase Goplen, Brianne (Sam) Partlow, Tyler (Janne) Dale Hauger, Collin Hauger, Alexander Hauger, Dylan Goplen, Alison Goplen, Megan (Gregory) Buske and Sarah (Sterling) Richard; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother, Myrna (Bart) Thompson, Connie Louden and, Loren (Jerri) Skjeret; 4 sisters-in-law, Mary Goplen, Las Vegas, NV, Joanne Goplen, Fargo, Fern Skjeret, Valley City, and Jeanette Skjeret, Jamestown.

   Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Gilman; her siblings, Audrey, Leon and, Alfred Jr.; and one grandson, Chad.

   Visitation: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

   Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Burial: St. Olaf Cemetery, Walum, ND, at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15.

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