Laverne Kalpin, 84

Laverne Donald Kalpin, 84, Leaf Valley, died February 11, 2013 at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

Laverne was born March 23, 1928, to Fred and Vivian (Duberowski) Kalpin in Leaf Valley Township. He grew up in Leaf Valley Township, was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church and attended Country School District #59. Following his education, he farmed with his father.

Laverne served active duty from December 7, 1950 tp September 9, 1952, in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Laverne returned to Leaf Valley where he bought his uncle's farm in 1954.

Laverne was united in marriage to Susan Riedel April 10, 1955, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, they farmed and raised their family in Leaf Valley. Laverne never retired from farming, he just got tired toward the end.

He was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and sang in the choir. He was also a former member of the Leaf Valley Fire Department and Leaf Valley Township Board. Besides being out in the field farming, Laverne enjoyed hunting, trapping, ice fishing and his monthly trips to the casino. He especially enjoyed visiting with neighbors and spending time with family.

Laverne is survived by his three children, Debbie (friend, Larry Hjelm) Kalpin of Leaf Valley, Joy Kalpin of San Antonio, Texas and Don (Karla) Kalpin of Leaf Valley; three grandchildren, Michael, Mitchell and Eliza; sisters, Floretta Ziegelman of Leaf Valley and Lorraine (Harry) Riedel of Parkers Prairie; brother, Fredrick Kalpin of Leaf Valley; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of 52 years, Susan, in 2007.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16 at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley with the Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music will be by organist, Kristi Wussow. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Scott Venzke, Kenneth Venzke, Michael Kalpin, Greg Froemming, Charlie Klimek and Jason Meissner. Honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell Kalpin, Eliza Kalpin, Charlotte Hjelm, Dick and Jean Bitzan, Pat and Ellen McGowan and Harold and Barb Guenther.

Visitation is Friday, February 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

An extra special heartfelt thank you to Jodi Klimek for the gift of time and care she gave dad.

Arrangements are with Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service; www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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