Fred M. Karper, 79, of Columbia Falls, formerly of Shippensburg, Pa., "went to be with the Lord" on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.

Born April 15, 1930, he was a member of the Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls. He was also a long-time member, Sunday School teacher, and lay leader of the Prince Street United Brethren church in Shippensburg.

He was retired from Frey & Karper Trucking and served as the Southampton Township Supervisor in Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy (Reath) Karper; one son, Douglas, and wife, Colleen; four daughters, Cheryl and Kevin Keller, and Pam and Ed Albrite, all of Columbia Falls, Marge and Jeff Kunkleman of Shippensburg, and Bev Karper of Key West, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

His parents, Luther and Alice Karper, along with eight brothers and six sisters, preceded him in death.

Friends and family are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 15, at Columbia Mortuary. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls.

We cherish everyone's love and support over the years and through his recent illness.

Because of his love to serve others in the Lord, donations in his memory can be made to the benevolent fund at Fellowship Alliance Church, 1025 Seventh Ave. W., Columbia Falls, MT 59912.