Carpenter, Gerald Lee 1929-2024

CARPENTER, OLSON, BASCOM, KITAMORI, WIGNALL, BUSSMAN, HOSKINS, FOSKETT, CASTRO

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/31/2024 at 14:11:13

Gerald Lee Carpenter
July 27, 1929 ~ January 29, 2024 (age 94)

Whether you knew him as Gerald or Gerry or “Carp” or "Coach" or "Chick," he was so many things to so many people.

Born in the town of Newton, Iowa, a town he always loved, he was the son of Cecil and Linda (Olson) Carpenter; brother of Harold, Cecil and Elmeda; husband to Dorothy Gale (Bascom) Carpenter for 72+ years; father to Larry (Joy Kitamori) Carpenter, Cathy (Mike) Wignall, and Barbara (Benedict) Bussman; grandpa of Allison (Lance) Hoskins, Joshua (Tiffany) Wignall, Annie (William) Foskett, Jacob (Juliana) Bussman, Amanda (Cara) Bussman, and Emily (Waldo) Castro; great-grampa of Drew, Grant and Hazel Hoskins, Tearnie and Rhys Wignall, James and Ivy Foskett, Brianna Bussman, and Ruth Bussman.

His rolodex provides a picture of his vast extended family of friends, literally from around the world that he remained in touch with to the very end. As a teacher/coach/role model and mentor, he influenced thousands and thousands of high school students in Macquoketa High School, Iowa, Lake Park High School, Illinois and Beverly Hills High, California.

He was a perfect example of "living life to its fullest." Gerald and Dorothy (and a myriad of friends) traveled the world. Gerald found the beauty in every place he lived and visited and he brought out the beauty and the best in everyone he came in contact with along the way. If he hadn't become a teacher, he certainly could of had a career as a comedian -- the consummate joker and prankster, he had the ability to make people laugh without making fun of anyone or anything. He was kind. He was loving. He was caring. He was an avid golfer, with two holes in one on his record. And he loved fishing streams, rivers, lakes and oceans, as long as he was fishing with friends. He leaves a legacy of love that will be passed to future generations by all those who knew him. The world will miss Gerald Lee Carpenter.

His family is planning a Zoom memorial celebration of his life to be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send condolences, please send cards to Cathy Wignall, 1524 Elk Horn Drive, Otley, Iowa, 50214.

Services
A service summary is not available
Tribute Wall ~ The Wallace Family Funeral Home, Newton, Iowa 29 Jan 2024.