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Date of death: 10/19/2024

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1961

Paul Louis (Lou) Harpenau, 89, was called to his heavenly home on October 19, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Lou was born August 28, 1935, in Tell City, Indiana, to Nettie and Sylvester Harpenau. He was a wonderful husband – completely devoted to his wife, Marilyn (Vonderheide) Harpenau. He was also a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Lou had been a professional narrator at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville and the Talking Books program for the Library of Congress for 48 years, from 1970 to 2018. He was also a broadcast news journalist and news director at WAVE-TV and Radio in the 1970s and 80s.  Before coming to Louisville, Lou had been a monk at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Southern Indiana in the 1950s and 60s.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Marilyn; daughters, Suzanne Conrad (Jon), Alana Steinmetz (Tom), Anne Clark (JD) and Lynne Dukes (Richard); seven grandchildren: Mary Davenport (Dave), Lily Hamilton, Alex Conrad, Julia and Hope Steinmetz, Grace and Carson Dukes;  sister, Rita Phillips; brothers, Carroll (Harriet), Ray (Sadie), Ted (Carol) and Gene (Karen) Harpenau; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Antoinette Gogel (Bob) and Joan Lee Harpenau; brother, Bernard Harpenau; and grandson, Austin Conrad.

He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church for many years and is presently a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church.