Claire Orpen

Claire Orpen - Beloved Mom, Grandma, and GiGi age 79, of South Saint Paul, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, March 14th. Preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Florence Johnson of Fergus Falls; her husband, Donald James Orpen (July 2008); one brother, Stanley Johnson (August 2008); and son, Christopher Knight Orpen (March 2009). Survived by daughters Cheryl (Tom) Hilber and Cathy (Peter) Kilner; sons Dennis, Terry; and Jeff; brothers Erwin (Ellen) Johnson and Paul (Darlene) Johnson; sisters Jolaine Anderson and Shirley Johnson; several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.   Claire’s life was filled with kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and many other wonderful family members and friends. In her heyday, she was an avid gardener.  She loved to cook for others.  Her special ingredient for both of those passions was love.  No one ever went hungry or homeless if Claire had anything to do with it. Her life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 20th at Bethesda Lutheran Church at 2855 47th St. E.  Inver Grove Heights.  The service begins at 12:00 PM noon.  Visitation begins at 11:00 AM.  A reception will immediately follow the service.    On Sunday, March 21st at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, there will be a visitation at 1:00 PM with a prayer service at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN.