Charles E. Karpan

East Alton: Charles “Charlie” Karpan, 75, passed away at 4:32pm on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Bethalto Care Center after a short battle with brain cancer. He was born on December 15, 1939, in Orient, Illinois, the son of the late Edward and Lucille (Bertagna) Karpan. He married the former Donna K. Dale on March 18, 1978, in Meadowbrook, Illinois, and she survives. Other survivors include their children and their spouses: Ron and Suzette Karpan of Rosewood Heights, Randy and Donna Karpan of Rosewood Heights, Leslie and Jeff Bone of Greenville, Illinois, Becky Kirk of Bethalto, Robin Karpan of Wood River, Stephen Karpan of St. Louis, ten grandchildren and their spouses: Chad (Alycia Rodriguez) Karpan, Ryan Karpan, Kristen (Tim) Gusewelle, Justin Karpan, Kaleb (fiancé Kenzie) Bone, Dylan Bone, Marissa Kirk, Elizabeth Kirk, Corey (fiancé Marissa) Kirk, Noah Karpan, four great – grandchildren: Cayden Karpan, Makenna Karpan, Raelynn Karpan, Ellie Gusewelle, and one sister and brother in law: Phyllis Jean and Jim Christy of Alton. Charlie was formerly employed for 34 years at McDonnell Douglas in quality assurance prior to his retirement in 1994. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and yard work. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons: Brian and Ricky. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at the funeral home. Pastor Tom Olney will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials are suggested to Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey or to the Mississippi Valley Christian School.