Gloria Jean Nerison was born on October 13, 1955 in Worthington, MN to parents George and Helen (Buschena) Opdahl. She was the middle child of five children. Gloria’s childhood years were spent on the family farm in Avoca, MN, where she was active in 4H, FFA and being a judge at the Murray county fair. She was a 1974 Slayton high school graduate.
One of Gloria’s passions was helping those in need. Whether it was helping special needs children or those who were recovering from surgery, Gloria loved being there to help. Her career as a certified nurse assistant included working seven years for Centennial Lakes Surgery Center and the last couple of years at Summitt Orthopedic Surgery Center. Prior to her work in the health care field, she and her husband Jim started G and J Framing which included building homes in the Montevideo area and later in the metro area.
One evening at the Holiday Inn in Worthington, Gloria struck up a conversation with a traveling construction worker named Jim Nerison. This conversation would forever change her life as the two became married on June 16, 1984 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda, MN.
Gloria loved baking especially Kringla and Lefse, which she eventually showed her nieces and nephews how to make. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage that both she and Jim shared. She enjoyed attending the State fair so she could support her nieces and nephews as they had their livestock entered into competition. Her lifelong travels brought her to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, California, Montana, Hawaii and most of the southern and New England states.
Gloria had a special connection to her two grandchildren, who affectionately called here Nana. She was a God Mother to many of her nieces and nephews and always played a nurturing role as they grew up to be young adults. Gloria will forever be known as loving, compassionate, a heart of gold and a best friend to many.
At the age of 56 and a resident of Prior Lake, Gloria passed away unexpectedly at her home.
Forever loved, Gloria will be deeply missed by her husband, James Nerison; children, Heidi (Ken) Wilcox of Minneapolis, Melissa Nerison of Richfield, Jason Nerison of Burnsville; grandchildren, Mataio and Madelynn; father, George Opdahl of Avoca; siblings, Dennis (Janet) Opdahl of Slayton, Doreen Karnitz of Chaska, Gordon Opdahl of Avoca, Roger (Lisa) Opdahl of Fulda and many other loving relatives and friends.
Gloria is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Opdahl.
Gloria’s pall bearers will be Thad Karnitz, Edward Karnitz, Adam Engler, Chris Opdahl, Alex Opdahl, Justin Opdahl, Garrett Opdahl, Tyler Opdahl.
Visitation will be on Monday July 16, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon with 12:00 noon Celebration of Life Service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville, MN. Pastor Paul Dean will officiate
The Nerison family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel.
