LuVerne Karpenko

LuVerne Karpenko, 90, of Grand Forks passed away Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Altru Hospital. LuVerne was born August 14, 1919, in Halstad, MN., to Albert and Marie (Stennes) Gilbertson. She attended public schools in Halstad and graduated from Halstad High School in 1937. LuVerne graduated from Aaker's Business College in Grand Forks, ND, and then was employed at Minnesota News in St. Paul, MN. In 1942 she moved to Vallejo, CA., and worked at the Mare Naval Yard as a civilian. June 2, 1943 LuVerne married Niles E. Karpenko of Kief, ND. Niles passed away in 1993. In 1946, LuVerne and Niles moved back to Grand Forks, ND. Four children were born to this union: Bonnie (Don) Winters of Cedar Rapids, IA; Steve Karpenko of St. Charles, IL; Bruce (Linda) Karpenko of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Bob Karpenko of Grand Forks, ND. She is survived by her sister, Mae DeGrote of Clara City, MN. She is also survived by her four children, as well as five grandchildren: Amy (Will) Hunt; Rebecca (Scott) Johnson; Christopher (Tiffany) Winters; Mark (Tycia) Winters; and Ali Karpenko. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. LuVerne was a member and volunteer at Calvary Lutheran Church. For many years she supported Niles' profession as a member of the Engineer's Auxiliary. She was a wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be greatly missed.