Frances "Fran" Karpen

Frances B. �Fran� Karpen, age 87, of Hastings, formerly of West St. Paul, died November 2, 2009 at Regina Nursing Home.Frances �Fran� was born July 22, 1922 in Hastings to Albert and Frances (Lindley) Gergen. She was a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School. Fran loved reading, sewing, baking, and writing, especially the Hastings Gazette feature �Karpen�s Korner� for several years. Fran was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary, and brother John. She is survived by her eight dearly loved children, Betty Karpen of Silver Bay, MN, Barbara Karpen of Lakewood, CO, John Karpen Jr. of St. Paul, MN, Michael Karpen of Denver, CO, Susan Stenquist (Rick) of St. Francis, MN, Terri Whipple of Hastings, Peter (Cindy) Karpen of Hastings, and Kim Karpen-Hayes (Peter) of Ft. Pierce, FL; also 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. James Perkl will be held 11:00am Friday, November 6, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth Street, Hastings. The visitation will be held from 6-8pm Thursday at the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 East Seventh Street, Hastings, and one hour prior to the service at church.