ORPEN, Alma C. 1906-2005

ORPEN

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 11/25/2005 at 09:33:12

Alma C. Backhaus Orpen, 99, Manly, died Sunday, November 20, 2005, at the Manly Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 428 West Walnut, Manly, with Reverend Randy Nielsen officiating. Burial will be held in the Manly Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring Street, Manly. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church. The family of Alma C. Backhaus Orpen has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Alma Backhaus Orpen memorial fund in her memory.

Alma C. Backhaus Orpen was born on January 20, 1906, the daughter of Chris and Anna (Sjvold) Dahl. She attended and graduated from the Manly Public School and taught country school for five years in Worth County. Alma was united in marriage to Arno Backhaus on June 5, 1929. He preceded her in death on July 11, 1970. After their marriage they made their home on a farm west of Manly until they retired and moved to Manly in 1968. Alma was united in, marriage to Elvin Orpen on June 9, 1984. He preceded her in death on January 9, 1986. Alma enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts, and music. She played in the Manly Rhythm Band for 25 years. Her life centered on her family and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Marolyn (Elmer) Brodersen, Manly, Margie (Darrell) Arendts, Thousand Oaks, CA, and Loren (Sarah) Backhaus, Muscatine, IA; a stepdaughter, Carol (Charlie) Payne, Bixby, OK; ten grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.

Besides her two husbands, Arno Backhaus, and Elvin Orpen, her parents, four brothers, and a sister also preceded Alma in death

Source: Northwood Anchor, Nov. 23, 2005