Morkert, Carpenter E. 1915-2007

MORKERT, CARPENTER, VAN HAAFTEN

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/20/2008 at 16:31:39

Carpenter E. Morkert, age 92, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, his residence since 1995.

Carpenter was born in Knoxville on Oct. 16, 1915. He was the only child born to Emory Irwin Morkert and Juanita (Carpenter) Morkert of Knoxville. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1933, received his B.A. degree from Grinnell College in 1937 and M.A. degree in Adult Education from the University of Iowa in 1975.

He married Lorraine Gertrude Van Haaften on Feb. 22, 1941, in Leon.

During World War II, Carpenter served in the US Army as a Japanese Interpreter (1942-1946) followed by 30 years of service with the Veteran's Administration, including assignments at VA Headquarters in Washington D.C., Chief of Personnel at Schick Hospital in Clinton, and Personnel Director at VA hospitals in Knoxville and Iowa City.

He was active in church and service organizations in Des Moines, including the First United Methodist Church Builders Class, Rotary Club of Des Moines, Economic Club and the Saturday Lunch Bunch Club.

He is survived by his son, Craig C. Morkert of West Des Moines, his wife, Laurie, and two children, Cara and Daniel.

Services were held Wednesday morning, Dec. 26, 2007, at Dunn's Funeral Home, Des Moines. A brief graveside service was scheduled for Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, if weather permitted.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in Des Moines.

The Knoxville Journal Express, December 28, 2007