Karlene F Chapman

Karlene Frances Chapman, age 67, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 18th, 2010.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Mankato Mortuary. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Karlene was born on August 10th, 1942 in Mankato, MN to Alice (Zumwalt) and Arthur Mountain. She attended and graduated from Loyola High School. On June 30th, 1962, Karlene was married to Ralph M. Chapman. They made their home on the east coast for over 10 years before they moved to San Diego, CA in 1978. Karlene returned to Mankato in 1994. In 2006 she retired from her job at School Sisters of Notre Dame and in 2009 she went to live with her daughter and family in Las Vegas, NV. Karlene lived in many places, but to her Mankato was always her home.

Karlene had many roles in her life- she was a poet, world traveler, singer, baker, gardener, and brave warrior. Her biggest role, though, was that of a mother, caregiver, and homemaker. Karlene always put the needs of her children first. Through good times and bad, she always had a warm meal on the table and a soothing word to offer. Karlene was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend whose strength and sense of humor touched the lives of everyone she knew and will continue to thrive in our memories of her.

Karlene was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Alice Mountain; her sibliings Roger, Virginia, Donna, Marian, and Jean; and her former husband Ralph Chapman.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Chapman, son Ralph (Grace) Chapman, daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Goldberg, daughter Elizabeth (Jeremy) Morris, son Joseph Chapman (Jason Rieke), 11 grandchildren, sister-in-law Marjorie Mountain, brother-in-law Lyle Gens, and many nieces and nephews. We'll love you forever Mom.