Garry Carpenter

Garry Lynn Carpenter was born on January 29, 1946. He was the fifth of ten children born to Henry and Una Carpenter of Staples.

When Garry was seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Staples High School in 1964. He went to basic training in California and was later stationed in Hawaii. He then went into battle in Vietnam, where he was burned while saving fellow soldiers when their amphibious tank struck a landmine. For his bravery and the injuries that he sustained in battle, Garry earned a Bronze Star along with a Purple Heart. He spent the rest of his military career stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Despite how the war and repeated exposure to Agent Orange affected him, Garry was very proud to have served his country. He loved attending Veterans Day programs and had the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. with his wife, Karen.

Garry married his wife, Karen Webster of Philbrook, on June 3, 1966. Karen was truly the love of his life, and she meant the world to him. Garry and Karen lived in Camp Lejeune while he was enlisted in the Marine Corps. There, they welcomed their son, Garry II, into the world. The family then moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, where Garry worked at 3M for six years. There, they had their daughter, Jennifer. The family later returned home, where Garry built their house next to his parents near Staples. He attended the Machine Trades program at Staples Technical College. Garry began working as a machinist at Stern Rubber Company, later transitioning to machine maintenance until his retirement in 2002.

Garry enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and gardening. His biggest passion was spending time in his shop, creating and building machines. He also found great joy in helping others.

For the last 25 years, Garry battled many health problems. He passed away on October 26, 2025, at age 79, in the Little Falls Care Center. Those who knew him believe that his love for family gave him the strength to fight his battles for so many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Una Carpenter; sister, Alva Kettlehut; brother, Mervin Carpenter; and many well-loved brothers and sisters-in-law.

Garry is survived by his loving wife, Karen; son, Garry Carpenter II (Debbie) of Staples; daughter, Jennifer Stickler (Tim) of Rogers; grandchildren: Lacey (Chris), Nathan, Samantha, and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren: Natalie, Danielle, and David; and siblings: Roland Carpenter, Margaret Montgomery, Henry Carpenter, Jerald Carpenter, Connie Wells, Barbara Morehouse, and Shelly Carpenter. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, whom he loved like siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Garry was part of a huge, loving family, and they all meant the world to him.

Garry will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He made an impact on all our lives with his love, generosity, and humor.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday November 4, 2025 at 11:00am at the Motley Free Methodist Church. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service. Please join the family for lunch and fellowship following the service. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.