Karla K. (Opland) Grogan
July 13, 1959 - July 9, 2013
Obituary
Karla (Opland) Grogan, 53, of Des Moines, Washington, and formerly of the Minot and Des Lacs areas, went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2013, after a valiant 9-year battle with cancer. She passed away at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
Karla was born on July 13, 1959, in Minot, ND, to Walter and Catherine (Dostert) Opland. She attended Des Lacs High School, and graduated from Bishop Ryan High School. During high school, Karla enjoyed playing girls’ basketball, softball, and volleyball. After graduation, she moved to the Seattle area. On June 7, 1986, Karla married Jefferson P. Grogan in Des Moines, WA. She spent her career as an accountant in the Seattle area. She especially enjoyed teaching Intuit’s QuickBooks software to clients, and was one of few Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors to have earned all certifications available from Intuit for the various versions of QuickBooks.
In 1988, Karla earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from Pacific School of Theology. She was involved in many volunteer efforts and sang in the church music ministry for many years. Since she was unable to work in recent years due to cancer, she spent considerable time researching Bible history and the life of Christ. Karla also was passionate about her family. She enjoyed researching genealogical records and corresponding with newly found relatives.
Karla will be greatly missed by her loved ones, including her husband, Jefferson Grogan; mother, Catherine (Dostert) Opland, of Des Moines, WA; two sisters, Rose Opland, of Auburn, WA, and Lorene (Jeff) Yurak of Sumner, WA; a brother, Reed Opland, of Des Lacs, ND; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews in the Minot area, as well as Washington and California; and her beloved dog, Winston.
Karla was preceded in death by her father, Walter Opland; her sister-in-law, Michelle Opland; and grandnephew, Gabriel Hanson.
Memorials may be sent to the True Family Women’s Cancer Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21
To the Opland family:
I am saddened to hear of Karla’s passing. Growing up in the old neighborhood, I considered her one of my best friends. She could always keep up with any of us boys.
Please know that she will be in my prayers this weekend as you honor her memory. Happy birthday Karla!
Chuck and Carol (Nathan) Kasper
Sorry for our loss of Karla. Just too young. will miss her.
God Bless you all…..
I am already missing my niece and E-mail pal..
Love to all the family.
We are sorry to hear about Karla. We enjoyed visiting with her when she came to Minot. She always had a smile on her face. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. We will miss her.
We are saddened by the loss of Karla, but so thankful she is now healed and suffers no more! Praying for the family. Love to all of you!
I will always remember the fun athletic girl I first met while student teaching at Bishop Ryan. My condolences to her family.
Jeff, Catherine, Rose, Lorene, and Reed,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Karla was the best friend that anyone could ask for. I’m so glad that she was my friend. I’m happy that I got to spend a few hours with her when she was in Minot. I think we could have talked the night away. I will always have fond memories. We spent so much time together in high school. Basketball, volleyball, tennis…..we both loved our sports. Her memories will remain in my heart forever. Goodbye dear friend – I will miss you forever. Happy Birthday today. If I can do anything for any of you, please let me know. Take Care! sandybloms@yahoo.com
It was a blessed celebration service today. All of the encouraging words from family an friends about Karla
Was beautiful. I really felt like I new her personally
By the testimonies of how her life impacted so many for the Glory of God. She was truly a sister that I just met and
Look forward to meeting in heaven. We will continue to
Pray for Jeff and the whole family. Sincerely in Christ
Gerald and Tanny Jackson
Catherine and family: So sorry for the loss of Karla, I think of you at this sad time, I know the heavy heart you have, having gone through losing a child. She is now a star in heaven shining down. Catherine I think of you often, the fun days of our childhood. Gods Blessings to you.
Karla was an inspiration to all who witnessed her strength and good humor. I was one of her nurses at Swedish and she will be remembered for her beautiful smile and laugh! Good work Jeff and Rose-you were always there for her, encouraging her on. Love Maura