Neva Marie Opland

Neva Marie Slocum was born September 5, 1937 in Brookings, SD.  On July 29, 2026, she peacefully passed away surrounded by family and is now home with Jesus. Neva grew up on a farm near Brookings and graduated from Brookings High School.  As a young girl she taught herself to sew, knit and crochet, and as a result has lovingly created many clothes, costumes, and quilts for her children and grandchildren.  After graduation she worked at the Extension Service on the SDSU campus. She enjoyed those years living and working, and it was there that she met Marlo Opland.

Neva and Marlo were married May 28,1960, moved to Sioux Falls, SD and raised their five children.  They were members at St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 60 years where she served as a Sunday school teacher, in women’s circles, bible studies, Quilt Makers and various committees. They always had a large vegetable garden and she would freeze and can vegetables to feed their family. Neva also loved flowers and her flower gardens. In the spring and summer, she could be found designing and tending many flower pots and landscape gardens.

After many years staying at home to care for her children, Neva began working at Northwest/Hancock Fabrics. She worked there for over 30 years and became the store manager. At home, Neva always had time for others and a great listening ear. She welcomed family and friends of family with a cup of coffee and set another place at the table. Their doors were always open even for the unexpected guest. She and Marlo hosted many family gatherings where great food and card games would always be had. She always had many creative projects going and worked on them as long as she could following a stroke in December 2018. 

Neva’s stroke took away her ability to speak and communicate in writing. Even after this difficulty, she remained positive and had a resilient spirit. She lived independently with the support of her children for more than 4 years. We are so grateful for the love, kindness and “watchful”  eye of the many caregivers that have cared for her on her journey: Sanford Health, Avera Prince of Peace, Trail Ridge, Encompass Health, Avantara, Touchmark,  Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, and Ascera Care Hospice.

Neva is survived by 5 children Monica(Kurt) Konold, Marcia(Tim) Odland, Wade(Suzie) Opland, Mark(Gina) Opland, Craig Opland, 14 grandchildren Emma(Jake) Tupa, Claire(Kolby) Fuller, Ben Konold, Katie(Jay) Wiezorek, Austin(Andrea)Odland, Rachel(Zach) Meade, Aden, Tage and Avery Opland, Ella, Andrew and Ava Opland, and Olivia and Sam Opland, 8 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Amy(Dale) Opland and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Marlo, her parents Robert and Rozella Slocum, her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Ida Slocum, her parents-in-law Carl and Pearl Opland along with Marlo’s 2 brothers Dale and Orlin [Linda] and his sister Norma[Virgil] Stenberg, and great grandchild Azalea June Meade.

We are so very sad to say goodbye, but know that she lived a life of service to her family and those around her.