Charles "Tarp" Junior Tarpenning

Charles Junior Tarpenning , "Tarp", age 96,  passed away peacefully at The Homestead at Rochester, on Sunday August 8, 2021.
The youngest of four children, Tarp was born on December 14, 1924 to Bessie Leola Walton and Charles Clifton Tarpenning in Lakefield, Minnesota.
He graduated from high school in April 1943, and was inducted into the United States Navy the same year, in June. He served three years during WWII and was discharged as an Electronics Technicians Mate. Immediately following his military service he gained employment at Windom Plumbing & Heating, a job in the trades that would serve him well over the years. Tarp received his Master's Plumbing license in April 1982, and at the time of his retirement, he was Rochester's Chief Plumbing Inspector.
On November 7, 1946, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Delores Marie Hamm, at the Baptist Parsonage in Mankato, Minnesota. Together they had three sons, Dennis, Tom and Dale. They made their home in Windom, Minnesota. In February 1958,  they purchased a new home and moved to Rochester. At that time, Tarp was employed with Scheid Plumbing out of Austin, Minnesota.
Tarp was a long time member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Over the years he had active memberships in the Mason's, Rochester Elks Lodge,  Windom City Council, and the American Legion, once serving as Commander for Post #206.
Tarp and Delores enjoyed several years of happy times with their grandkids, family and friends at their cabin on Whitefish Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin. Following retirement they sold the cabin and wintered in San Benito, Texas at the Fun-N-Sun Resort. Here they made many friends, and many memories.
Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Delores, parents, stepfather, and sons Dennis, Tom and Dale, sister, Lucy and brothers James and Bernard.
He is survived by six grandchildren: Angela (Matt) Ritcey, Joe (Andrea) Tarpenning, Sean (Melissa) Tarpenning, Michelle (Tony) Easton, Kara Tarpenning, Tyler (Kim) Tarpenning, 15 grandchildren, nieces Jean (Roger) Laursen, Judy (Gary) Walters, nephews ,William Hamm and David (Carol) Hamm also three daughters-in-law, Barbara Tarpenning, Kathy Tarpenning and Judy Amundson.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Homebound program, most especially to nurse practitioner Judy Holst for going above and beyond in caring for Tarp, and to her staff Stephanie, Deanne and Eric for excellent coordination and communication. Thanks to the wonderful staff at The Homestead assisted living facility, to Seasons Hospice Staff, and to Pastor Linda Helberg from Bethel Lutheran Church for her friendship and regular visits.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Wounded Warriors, St. Judes Children's Fund or Bethel Lutheran Church to support their online worship program.
Blessed be his memory.