Carpenter, Fred E. Jr. 1927-2007

CARPENTER, ROUDABUSH, SCHEPANSKI

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/11/2007 at 19:04:17

Dr. Fred E. Carpenter, Jr., died Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, from injuries incurred from an accidental fall.

Fred was born October 4, 1927 to Eloise and Dr. Fred E. Carpenter, Sr. in Monroe, Iowa. Early years were spent in New York, N.Y., while his father received specialty training at New York Eye and Ear Hospital. Fred grew up in Newton, graduated from Newton High School in 1945, where he enjoyed athletic success, especially in basketball and golf.

He joined the U.S. Navy where he was selected to be a member of its first class in electronics on Treasure Island, California, and subsequently served on the destroyer, the USS Shelton, in the Pacific. Fred and his brother Hugh owned and operated Dairy Queens in Connecticut for a few years, prior to attending the University of Iowa where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957.

He then graduated from Des Moines University in 1961, followed by a year of internship at Des Moines General Hospital. That was followed by a three-year residency in ophthalmology and otolaryngology in Detroit, Michigan. Returning to Newton in August of 1965, Fred joined his father’s EENT and allergy practice and worked with his father for five years until his death in 1970. Fred served his patients in Jasper County and beyond from 1965 until his tragic fall, following a remarkable tradition of medical service by his predecessors.

Fred is the sixth Carpenter physician who was dedicated to providing medical care in Jasper County. That tradition spanned the years from 1878 to the present. He also served as Jasper County Medical Examiner for 42 years. He appreciated the opportunity of working with many dedicated professionals and volunteers in his capacity as medical examiner – the state troopers, Sheriff’s Department, police officers, first responders, the state medical examiners, DCI and others through the years. He considered them all unsung heroes for the long hours and often unpleasant and sometimes dangerous conditions under which they carried out their responsibilities with professionalism, commitment and compassion.

Fred was also a senior aviation medical examiner for many years. Responsibilities included giving flight physicals to commercial pilots, as well as all other pilots – and sadly being the first representative of the FAA on the scene of several plane crashes in Jasper County. Fred was a member of Rotary, Newton Country Club, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, BPO Elks, the American Medical Association, the Iowa Medical Society. Fred was a lifelong fan and supporter of University of Iowa athletics and enjoyed relationships with many student-athletes, coaches and administrators through the years.

He was a charter member of the Kinnick Society, a long time Golden Hawk and member of the U. of I. Presidents Club. Anyone who knew him for more than a few minutes knew of his deep love for the University, a love that is shared by his wife and family. Attendance at all Hawkeye basketball and football games was a high priority in his life.

Fred was married to Dorothy K. Roudabush August 14, 1960 in Newton. They were extremely blessed with two sons: Fred E. Carpenter, III (Three) and Scott Carpenter. Three is Executive Vice President and General Manager of Dallas Country Club in Dallas, Texas, is married to Christine Schepanski and is blessed with two sons: Fred E. Carpenter, IV (Dru) and Rian Christopher Carpenter. Scott is a financial advisor at TrueNorth of West Des Moines. They all mourn his loss as do the many others who have become part of the extended Carpenter family through the years. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Hugh.

Wallace Family Funeral Home website