Eugene (Gene) Allen Carpenter of Winterset, formerly of Manchester, received his angel wings on Thursday, September 29, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa on November 22, 1949 to William Junior (Bill) Carpenter and Rosa Mae Schankle.
He was a graduate of West Delaware High School and shortly after graduation, was drafted into the US Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge as a Lance Corporal, he returned home and was employed with his father at Guetzko Construction.
He was later employed by Delaware County as a heavy equipment operator and retired in 2012, then moving to Winterset, Iowa.
He proudly served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War in DaNang, 1970-1972. Prior to his death, he became a member of the Van Meter American Legion, Post 403, where he actively participated as a member of the Honor Guard doing Military Rights for Veterans at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
He enjoyed going on vacations, camping and going to the casino but mostly his love was building. He built their first family home in rural Manchester and at age 62, began construction on their rural home near Winterset. Others told him he was too old to complete such a project, but his stubbornness, skills and determination have provided his family with a beautiful home full of many loving memories.
His family was everything to him. On July 1, 1972, he was united in marriage to LuAnn (Chrystal). Together they brought four children into this world, JeanAnne (Matthew) Kompsie of Des Moines, Felicity (Brad) Croat of Van Meter, Gregory (Lacy) Carpenter of North Ridgeville, Ohio and Matthew (Jill) Carpenter of Manchester.
Gene was so proud of his children and their spouses. He enjoyed spending time with each of them and watching their events, but, his greatest joy was seeing the strong marriages they have created. When you asked him about his kids his response was, “they are the greatest kids a dad could ever ask for! I always took care of them, and now, they are caring for me!”
Due to the love and commitment of his four children and spouses, Gene and LuAnn were blessed with 8 grandchildren, Max Kompsie, Maija Kompsie, Maleah Kompsie, Mattie Kompsie, Austin Croat, Ryan Croat, Genevieve Carpenter and Isla Carpenter.
Gene is survived by his wife, his four children, his grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Also his siblings, Katherine, William Francis, Marsha, William Scott, Dawn and his brother-in-laws, Steven & Shawn and his sister-in-law, Debra. He was preceded in death by his parents, his “other mother”, Erma Carpenter, his brother Robert and sister, Dianne.
A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held on October 10 at the Van Meter American Legion. The family will begin receiving guests at 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. during which time brunch will be served. Following brunch, a brief service will be held, then those wishing to honor Gene are asked to join us at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. for military honors by American Legion Post 403 and the United States Marines.
Memorials can be directed to the family.
