Clarence Junior Orpen, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin.

Clarence was born on April 19, 1927, in Hayfield, Minnesota, the son of Clarence M. and Mathilda (Holen) Orpen. He was married to Joanne Ludvigsen on May 20, 1950, in Austin, and together they raised four children. Clarence was the chief operating engineer/supervisor in the Boiler and Refrigeration Departments at the Hormel Foods Plant in Austin. He and Joanne were life-long members of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They greatly enjoyed their cabin on Mille Lacs Lake as well as traveling and camping throughout the U.S.A.

Survivors include wife, Joanne, Austin; children, Terry (Sue) Orpen, Alexandria, Minnesota, Rick (Mary) Orpen, St. Peter, Minnesota, Debbie (Randy) Jones, Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, and Tim (Lisa) Orpen, Nowthen, Minnesota; grandchildren, Scott (Angie) Orpen, Matt (Alecia) Orpen, Nate (Becky) Orpen, Josh (Amy) Orpen, Eric Jones, Kevin Orpen and Christopher Orpen; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lola (Kruger) Lysne, Donna (Dallas) Nowell and Marilyn (Hollis) Jacobson; and daughter-in-law, Julie Orpen.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Madison Chelberg officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.