Patricia Kalpin, 66

Patricia Ann “Patty” Kalpin, age 66, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Parkers Prairie, died Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich. Burial will take place at Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Patty was born September 26, 1945 to Wilbert “Birdie” and Leona (Hink) Kalpin in Parkers Prairie. She was baptized October 21, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie.

Patty was found to have developmental disabilities, being cared for at home by family until her move to various care facilities in Cambridge and Brainerd before moving to the Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls.

In 1988, she moved into a residential setting and continued to live there until June of 1991, when she joined her first Lakes Homes family in Fergus Falls. In September of 2000, she made a move to her current home with Lakes Homes on Northern Avenue, where she lived until the time of her death.

Patty loved music, singing along to songs, clapping and even making up songs for her caregivers. She had an infectious laugh and when she was feeling good, loved to joke and share hugs. She was a very social and caring person and would reach out to touch others’ heads to show her concern and affection.

She enjoyed participating in Special Olympics and was a member of the YMCA, where she would announce her greetings upon arrival. She loved having her nails and hair done and was rarely seen without wearing as many bead necklaces and watches as she could.

Patty often struggled feeling happy or content with herself. It is the hope of her caregivers and all who cared for her that she is now holding the hands of her parents and running and playing with the friends she has lost here. Her life has left a void in the hearts of her family and caregivers. Knowing she is able to replace fleeting happiness with everlasting happiness is comforting and a reason to celebrate for her. May she rest in peace.

Patty is survived by her brother, Robert “Bob“ (Joanne) Kalpin of Parkers Prairie; nieces and nephew, Beth (Mike) Wilde of Parkers Prairie, David Kalpin of Mesa, Arizona and Amy (Larry) Hunter of Peculiar, Missouri; and great-nieces and nephews, Jenni Wilde, Steph Wilde, Josh Wilde, Joanne Hunter, Mary Hunter and Andy Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; some close friends and former housemates.

Pallbearers will be Beth Wilde, Mike Wilde, Josh Wilde, Steph Wilde, Jenni Wilde and Amy Hunter. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephew, Dave Kalpin, grandnieces, Joanne and Mary Hunter and grandnephew, Andy Hunter, along with the staff and residents of Lakes Homes.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Parkers Prairie, www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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