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Marlana Shepperd Obituary – 4/24/2010


Marlana “Marty” Mariea (Karsten) Shepperd, age 67, of Hutchinson, died Saturday, April 24, 2010, at her home.

She was born May 21, 1942, in Pipestone, the daughter of Fred and Lena (Aeikens) Karsten. Marlana was baptized as an infant in Pipestone, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth in Clara City.

She attended grade school in Clara City, and high school in Renville, graduating with the class of 1960.

Marlana was united in marriage to Arthur Shepperd Sept. 16, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. This union was blessed with three daughters.

Marlana and Arthur resided in Howard Lake and Montevideo, and were currently residing in Hutchinson. The couple shared nearly 49 years of marriage.

Always willing to serve others, Marlana held several jobs throughout her life including bank teller, housekeeper and nanny. She worked many seasons at Green Giant in Glencoe, and was well-known as “the scoops lady” from her job at the local frozen custard shop.

Most recently, she was proud to be “on staff” at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, where she helped to maintain the facilities and to keep everyone smiling. She also volunteered through the hospital auxiliary and at school, assisted elderly shut-ins, and served as a Girl Scout leader.

Marlana was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, where she taught Sunday school for more than 35 years. She wrote and directed many Christmas pageants and created several learning games and activities for children. She was also involved in Dorcas Club, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Chancel dramas, live nativity and vacation Bible school, and was a member of the Altar Guild, where she served as chairman of the flower committee.

Marlana loved working in her garden, fishing at Stahls Lake, and doing crossword puzzles. She loved to visit with family and friends over a cup of coffee or a game of cards or dice, and was quick with an “Ole & Tina” joke.

She was a faithful Twins baseball fan, and couldn’t pass up a garage sale – always finding treasures for her kids and grandkids. An avid bowler, Marty had the trophy collection to prove it! She served on the bowling board of directors for many years, and was instrumental in establishing the “City Roll-off’s” for Hutchinson.

Whether encouraging granddaughter Heather at college, talking Twins baseball with grandson Ryan, playing Boggle with granddaughter Madeline, or making cookies for grandson Nathan, Marlana’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. She would never hesitate to show off their latest pictures or brag about their accomplishments.

Marlana is survived and greatly missed by her husband, Arthur Shepperd of Hutchinson; daughters Carrie Oliver and her husband, Kevin, of Hesparia, CA, and Holli Ranfranz and her husband, Greg, of Corcoran; grandchildren Heather and Ryan Oliver, and Madeline and Nathan Ranfranz; siblings Betty Lewison of Maynard, MN, Ardeen Prekker and his wife, Pat of Anoka, and Deborah Jones and her husband, Jerry of Port Angeles, WA; nieces; nephews; and countless other relatives and friends.

Marlana was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Kimberly Shepperd; father, Fred Karsten; mother, Lena Prekker; stepfather Donald Prekker and brothers-in-law Howard Lewison and Ralph Shepperd.

Funeral services took place Friday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with the Rev. Gerhard Bode officiating. Organist was Paul Otte, who also sang “In The Garden.” Congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace,” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”

Casket bearers were Wayne Aeikens (cousin), Johnny Aeikens (cousin), Adam Prekker (nephew), Andrew Prekker (nephew), Ben Werder (nephew), and Leif Berg (friend).

Arrangements were by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapel of Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hangte.com; please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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