William Edward Karpenski, 74

William Edward Karpenski, age 74 of Rockport, Texas, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at the Tri Sun Coastal Palm Skilled Care and Rehab Center in Portland, Texas.

William was born on Nov. 9, 1934 in Mizpah, Minn. to Frank John and Ione Fern (Upton) Karpenski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank Royce Karpenski; son, Richard Lee Karpenski.

William is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann (Alden) Karpenski; daughters, Sue Kay (Johnnie) Smith, Nancy Lynn (Leonel) Figueroa; son, Dale Alan (Wendy) Karpenski; nine grandchildren, Allen Joseph (Gina) Bentley, Michael William Bentley, Amber Lynn Bentley, Rita Renee Jackson, Joel William Jackson, Robert Lee Jackson, Christian Lee Karpenski, Chandler Blake Karpenski, Madison Brook Karpenski; and two great-grandchildren, Arianna Maria Bentley and Allen William Bentley.

After graduating from high school in Amery, Wis., he attended some college in Boston before joining the Army. He served in the US Army from December 1952 through October 1955. He worked for the Secret Service as a Morse Interceptor in Germany for two years. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and Expert (Carbine) Par.

William spent his remaining life as a carpenter owning his own business and was his own boss. He was a man of God who loved to fish and read.

Funeral services 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 at the Historic Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, 1 Federal Drive, Minneapolis, Minn. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12 noon, assembly area 5.

Arrangements by Cullen Crea Funeral Home, New Richmond, Wis., 715-246-2667.

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