George was born the son of Adolph & Dora (Barnes) Opdahl on a farm near Ireton. He grew up on the farm and attended country school. In 1943 the family moved to Estherville, IA where he attended High School. George enlisted the U.S. Army in 1945 and served during WWII in the European Theatre in Germany with a Heavy Weapons Battery as a truck driver hauling personnel, supplies and equipment. After his honorable discharge in 1947, he moved home to his parent's farm near Fulda, MN and started farming. During this time he attended Veteran's Agriculture School. George was united in marriage to Helen Buschena on June 17, 1951 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulda. After their marriage they lived on a farm near Fulda until 1958 when they moved to a farm near Avoca, MN where they raised their 5 children. In 2004 they retired from farming. George remained on the farm after Helen passed away in November of 2008. George passed away at the Sanford Medical Center at the age of 92. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulda. George also belonged to the Fulda American Legion and VFW Post, Avoca American Legion and the 40/8 Voiture Locale in Mankato, MN. Farming was George's life passion. When his children were in 4-H he enjoyed helping them with their livestock projects. He enjoyed taking care of his roses, cooking and baking and would call his family to stop and try something new he had concocted. George also loved visiting with his family, friends and great neighbors.

Survivors include his 4 children, Dennis (Janet) Opdahl, Gordon Opdahl, Roger (Lisa) Opdahl and Doreen Karnitz; son-in-law, James Nerison; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Helen Meyer and Elaine Hovland. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Gloria Nerison, grandson, Garth Karnitz, great-grandson, David Tesch and sister Madelia Hart.

Funeral services were held from St. Paul's Lutheran Church Fulda on January 4, 2020 with Rev. Shawn Ethridge officiating.