Ruth Kalpin

Ruth Kalpin age 80 of Alexandria, MN unexpectedly passed away on November 10, 2019. On that day heaven gained a beautiful woman who lived an incredibly rich life anchored in her deep faith. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Ruth Elaine (Stenson) Kalpin was born in Fargo, ND on June 6, 1939, to Clayton and Esther (Lindgren) Stenson.  She attended school in Fargo and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in 1957. That fall she entered Augsburg College where she met the love of her life, Denny Kalpin. She was a secretary at LBI in Minneapolis and Oak Grove until their wedding on June 6, 1960, at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo. She was a devoted and treasured wife to Denny for nearly 60 years. While Denny finished college she was a secretary at Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church. She was a partner in his teaching and coaching career in Belgrade, MN, Fargo – where she raised their four daughters, and Alexandria, MN. Ruth served as a school secretary in each location.  One of her greatest joys was her grandchildren and being their grandma. They cherished her love, warmth, smile, and teachings of faith! Ruth lived an incredibly rich and satisfying life that included church events, choir, BSF, knitting, reading, baking, cooking, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. She was a loyal and true friend who had a heart for all. Her family was her everything and she was their rock.

Ruth was a true gift to everyone she met. She is survived by her loving husband Denny, daughters Laurie (Pat) Erlandson of Minneapolis, Nancy (Scott) Wolf of Rochester, Susan (Matt) Green of Alexandria, and Katie (Dan) Olberg of Hutchinson. Grandchildren Megan and Connor Erlandson, Anne and Zachary Wolf, Katelyn and Michael Empting, and Jack, Emma, and Matthew Olberg. Two brothers, John (Diane) and Peter (Sharyl), and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life, love, and faith will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN on Saturday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Friday, November 29 from 5-7 at Anderson Funeral Home and Saturday one hour before the service.  Memorials may be made to Mount Carmel Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN, Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Fargo ND, or Alexandria Area YMCA.