Kim “Brad” Karpenko, 70, Minot, Formerly of Minneapolis, died Friday, May 30th, 2025 in a Wahpeton assisted living facility.
Brad Karpenko was born August 21, 1954 to parents Delmer and Jeanine (Morris) Karpenko in Minot. He grew up attending area schools, later graduating from Minot High School in 1973. During his time in high school, Kim’s academic achievements were recognized with him earning a merit scholarship. He never liked to be called Kim, so he went by “Brad”, which most friends and family knew him by.
Following High School, Brad and his best friend Rich Christen decided to travel. With only the backpacks on their shoulders, they ventured to Rome, Italy. After their trip had concluded, they returned home to attend college. Brad enrolled at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology.
Brad worked in Minot at the Boys and Girls Ranch for a few years until he moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he worked as a social worker for many years. He then went on to attend St. Paul’s Seminary for three years. He was admitted to the candidacy for the priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum, in Columbus, Ohio, and then he began his studies for the priesthood at the diocese in Fargo, ND, later returning home to Minot after becoming sick. He then moved to St. Catherine’s Benedictine Living Center in Wahpeton, where he resided up until his time of passing.
Brad’s hobbies included spending many hours playing piano, a passion of his that he held since learning to play as a child. He was very gifted musically. He also enjoyed reading and traveling, which he often did with various groups in the Catholic Church. Brad will be remembered most as a loving son, brother and friend.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Brad’s caretakers and the staff at St. Catherine’s Benedictine Living Center in Wahpeton for their exceptional care during Brad’s many years residing there.
Brad is survived by his mother, Jean Karpenko, Minot; brother, Tom (Pam) Karpenko, Minot, and dear friend, Rich (Victoria) Christen of Portland, OR.
Brad was preceded in death by his father, Delmer Karpenko, and his grandparents.
A private service will be held in Brad’s memory by the family.
Memorials are preferred to St. Catherine’s Benedictine Living Center in Wahpeton, ND.
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