Bruce Arnold Opsta was born on July 29, 1949, to Helmer and Alma (Miner) Opsta. He attended school in New Town and Watford City, North Dakota, and graduated from Watford City High School in 1967. On June 14, 1968, Bruce married Lila Faulkner. Together they lived in Gillette, Wyoming; Brighton, Colorado; and Vernal, Utah, before returning to Watford City in 1975. After Lila passed away in 1981, Bruce remained in Watford City, working in the oilfield and raising their three children. He moved to Williston in 1990, where he worked for Petroleum Experience as a workover rig consultant until retiring in 2015. That year, he moved to Bismarck, where he had built a home during the Bakken Oil Boom.

Bruce enjoyed fishing, golfing, building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, riding his Harley, and collecting and playing guitars. In the 1990s, he earned his pilot’s license and owned a Cessna 182. Above all, he treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his daughters, Cari Opsta of Watford City and Sharon Opsta of Henderson, Nevada; his son, Darrin (Nina) Opsta of Williston, North Dakota; his granddaughter, Kinsley; his grandson, Oliver; and his sister, Sandi (Mike) Ranum of Bismarck, North Dakota; along with several nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Opsta; his parents, Helmer and Alma Opsta; his sister, Audrey Lee; his brother, Dennis Opsta; and his in-laws, Bill and Millie
Faulkner.

Those planning to attend Bruce’s service are encouraged to dress casually, in keeping with his simple and unassuming nature.

Memorial Contribution