Opal Lee Henrikson

Opal Lee (Wynn) Henrikson, age 93, passed away October 13, 2020 at Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Opal was born on October 29, 1926 in Conway, Kentucky. She was one of seven children born to Eliza and John Wynn. As a young woman, Opal moved to Michigan to live with her sister, and work at the Bundy Tubing factory. It was there that she met a woman who introduced Opal to her son, Duane, who was in the service. After four years of courtship, they were married. They later moved to Audubon, Minnesota. Opal and Duane purchased the Audubon Café where they worked side by side, day in and day out. Both were excellent cooks and bakers, and were known far and wide for their donuts. Ten years later, the café was sold, and Opal and Duane purchased Joyland Resort on Big Cormorant Lake. There they continued to provide hospitality to all of their guests. At the resort, Opal was known as “The Candy Lady” as she manned the candy and ice cream store seven days a week throughout the resort season. Many lifetime friendships were formed at the resort. In the winter, when the resort was closed, Opal became an expert at the art of ice fishing. After retirement, Opal pursued many activities that she enjoyed. These included sewing quilts, gardening and feeding the birds. She was a member of Lake Eunice Free Church in rural Detroit Lakes where she volunteered and served the church in many ways. She was an original member of the Family Advisory Council at St. Mary’s and was active in fund raising. She dedicated her time weekly to assisting residents with haircare at the nursing home. Opal’s quick wit and her “southern” charms will be missed by all that knew her. Opal is survived by her loving husband Duane who spent many hours at her bedside. She is also survived by her sister Louise Lord and many special nieces and nephews who thought of Opal as their second mother and loved her very much. Opal is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Cynthia, Edward, Henry, Thelma and Willard. A special thank you to all the staff at Lincoln Park and Oak Crossing Nursing Home who cared for her with loving, patient hands and hearts.