Donald Orpen

Donald J. Orpen, 81, formerly of Fergus Falls and longtime resident of South Saint Paul, fought the good fight and passed away surrounded by family on July 13, 2008.  Preceded in death by parents, one brother, and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Claire, daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Hilber, Cathy (Peter) Kilner, sons Dennis, Terry, Jeff, and Chris; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Marv) Manthei and sister-in-law Dottie Orpen and many other wonderful family members and friends.  He was a thoughtful husband and a generous and caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. At 16, Don started working for the Railway Express Agency (REA).  He worked for the REA until 1975 when he started his own business; Insulation Services, Inc. Don was also a WWII veteran.  Don semi retired in 1995, but anyone who knows Don knows that he kept busy helping others.  He will be greatly missed by many. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights on Friday July 18th.  The service begins at 4:30 pm with visitation at 3 pm.  There will also be a visitation on Sunday July 20th from 1:30 to 3:30PM at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.   Interment at Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN.   Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.