Glen L. Orpen was born on March 13, 1962, in Roseau to Leo and Nathalia (Nordlund) Orpen.
He attended school in Middle River where he graduated from in 1980. Following his graduation Glen joined the National Guard and attended Staples Vocational School for Machining. He worked for Remmele Engineering in New Brighton, MN where he learned advanced CNC programing and built parts for the international space station, military jets, and many other things. Eventually he started his own business, GOTONC Programming. He had his own machine shop at home and when he wasn't working, he spent much of his time creating lots of projects. In 2006 he moved to the family farm in Moose River Township where he resided until his unexpected passing at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the age of 60.
He was very active in community events including the Sportsmen’s Club, Community Club, Veteran's Hunt, and Goose Fest. He had a big part in creating, building, and installing the Middle River signs on both sides of town. Glen served as the Moose River Township Treasurer, taking over the job from his mother when she and Leo moved into Middle River.
Glen is survived by his siblings Carol (Dan) Nicklay, Lois (Milo) Ballingrud, John (JoAnn) Orpen and nieces and nephews, Ann Chaffee, children Zoe, Bree, Levi, and Leo. Mary (Matthew) Grantham, Matthew (Karen) Chaffee, Adam (Rachel) Chaffee, Vanessa Tieman, Michelle Tieman, David (Amber) Orpen and son Emmit, Ben (Kallie) Orpen and children Eleanor and Silas, Laura Orpen (Josh Koletar).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Nathalia Orpen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, January 7, 2022, at Collins Funeral Home in Middle River, MN. Interment services will be held at Moose River cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River.
An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com
