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Dennis Carpenter Obituary
He was born Sept. 26, 1941, in Sycamore, Ill., to Gladys and LeRoy Carpenter and died Feb. 18, 2013, at Sherman West Court in Elgin after a lengthy battle with a rare brain disease.
He married Carole M. Carpenter, nee Lundeen, on Aug. 7, 1965, in Rockford, Ill.
He graduated from Sycamore High School in 1960 and Augustana College in 1964, received his Master's Degree at Northern Illinois University in 1965 and his Doctorate of Education at Vanderbilt University in 1981. Dr. Carpenter worked in school administration his whole career; in Wheeling/Buffalo Grove School District 21, as a principal and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, as the Superintendent of Schools in Harrisburg, Ill., and in Park Ridge School District 64 as a principal and Director of Business before retiring in 1994.
Survivors include his wife Carole M. Carpenter; brother Marshall and sister-in-law Carolyn Carpenter of Wayzata, Minn.; nephews Jeffrey Carpenter of Hopkins, Minn., and Mark Carpenter of Alexandria, Va., and niece Rachel Carpenter of Orono, Minn., and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Gladys and LeRoy Carpenter; mother-in-law Viola Lundeen and brother-in-law Lyle Lundeen.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sherman West Court for the compassionate care given to Dennis for the past eight years.
Visitation Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Interment Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford, Ill.
For information, call the funeral home at 847-882-5580.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Carpenter
Cheryl Keifer
February 16, 2021
I remember Dennis well. He was a dear soul, a truly gentle man with an easy smile and an enduring love for his wife, Carol.
Cheryl Keifer
February 17, 2020
I have the fondest memories of Dennis as Principal at Irving School. As a special ed teacher with all kinds of newly legislated materials and equipment, Im sure, in retrospect, that Dennis had to have had some concerns. (Why in the world did we need stoves and refrigerators in each of our three classrooms?) My compadres and I must have grown on him because I never heard him speak even one word of concern. Actually, I think he fell in love with our students.
He was devoted to his wife, Carol, and she to him. That was apparent to all who knew them. They were truly blessed to have found each other early in life and to have shared so many good years together.
March 7, 2013
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO CAROLE & MARSHALL..I AM A CLASSMATE OF MARSHALL.
Debra Brown
March 3, 2013
Mr. Carpenter was a favorite teacher of mine! He taught my sixth grade class at Mark Twain in the early sixties. Truly a memorable teacher and person. Kind, funny, and able to spark an interest in learning. My condolences.
February 26, 2013
HI I JUST WANT TO SAY MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY YOU DONT KNOW ME BUT I AM FRIENDS WITH KIM CHOIN
JEANETTE DENTRO
Susan Vick
February 25, 2013
You will be greatly missed, I was a student of Mr Carpenters at Mark Twain elementary in Wheeling, Il, may God wrap his loving arms around your family during this sad time.
Kathy Bard - Swanson
February 25, 2013
Thank you for being such a guiding light in my life and in so many others. God Speed!
Valerie Abruscato
February 25, 2013
Dear family my deepest sympathies on your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. Mr. Carpenter was my principal at Mark Twain elementary school many years ago. He was a wonderful man. To this day our family speaks of him with fond memories and joy. He was generous and truly loved children. And we loved him! He will be missed!
Ferne Garrett
February 25, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cheryl Keifer
February 25, 2013
As Principal, Dennis led by example. His furroughed brow and pursed lips let you know that he was listening and taking whatever you were saying seriously. A wink, an easy smile, and an extended arm made you feel like you were a valued member of his team and part of an extended family. I will always cherish my memories of working for Dennis at Irving School.
February 24, 2013
Some of my fondest memories of my 38 years in District 21 were while I was at Washington Irving. Long before it was popular to "empower" teachers to be decision makers and to create classrooms of interest and meeting the needs of all, Dennis knew how to bring that out in all of us. We were a family in every sense of the word and poor Dennis had to try and be the loving father figure to us all. My condolences to Carol and the family. We have all lost a very special person. Cyndi (Quinn) Jordan
Linda Foy Boothe
February 24, 2013
I have many fond memories of teaching at Washington Irving School under Dennis' leadership. He was kind and understanding and was always neater than I coulld ever aspire to be!
We were both from Sycamore and our mothers were in a sewing club together.
My sympathy goes out to Carol and her family.
Jamie (Orlowsky) Goodsnyder
February 24, 2013
Dennis was my principal at Washington Irving School. I remember him fondly. I have been a teacher myself for the last 23 years, and I owe a great deal to him for his inspiration to become an educator. What great memories I have from my years at Washington Irving. You will be missed, Mr. Carpenter.
Brenda Bochner
February 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. He was the Principal at Washington Irving when my children were there. His kindness and caring will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful person and thinking about him brings a smile to our faces. Our condolences to his wife and family on their loss.
Brenda and Bruce Bochner
February 22, 2013
So sorry to hear about Dennis's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and all the members of his family.
Kathy McCarty Carper Dist.21
jean prinslow
February 22, 2013
I was the kgn teacher at Irving school when Dennis was our principal - in 1973, a new school - and not finished! but we all got along Thank you Dennis for some good years in Dist. 21.
Condolences to Carol and family.
Don Werneske
February 22, 2013
I had the good fortune of following Dennis as principal of Washington Irving School, when he became the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. Dennis was a tough act to follow - he was well liked by the staff and community. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Christoph (Hoffman)
February 22, 2013
Mr Carpenter was my principal in the 70s at Washington Irving. He was my favorite principal. RIP Mr Carpenter, my condolences to his family.
February 22, 2013
I worked with Dennis at Irving School in District 21 beginning in 1973. I loved his warm personality and energetic approach to opening this new school. My condolences to his family.
Connie Norton
Michael Shumaker
February 22, 2013
Mr. Carpenter was my principal at Washington Irving Elementary in Buffalo Grove, IL back in the 70's... I have to say that while he had a quick hand at grabbing the ears of the students that got out of line, our respect for him was great. Thank you Dennis in looking out for our best interests as children and students. You seemed to care like a parent. God Speed Man! All my best to the family! Mike Shumaker
Joel Kolner
February 22, 2013
I knew him as Mr. Carpenter when he was principal of Washington Irving School in Buffalo Grove. I remember him as always having a very commanding presence. Everyone respected him and he was always warm and fair. I remember feeling a sense of pride when he went to work in the Supt. office in District 21. I hope he did not suffer before his death. Please accept my condolences and prayers. God bless!
Linda Friedland
February 22, 2013
I was a teacher under Mr. Carpenter, when he was principal at Lincoln Jr. High in Park Ridge. I will always remember his kindness, fairness and gentle way of communication. He made a difference in many lives. I wish his family great memories that will ease away the family heartache.
Linda Haman (Brown)
February 22, 2013
Mr. Carpenter has always been my favorite Principal. This is going back to Mark Twain School and the 1960's. His smile, humor, and ability to connect with students was special. I will always remember Mr. Carpenter.
Linda Haman (Brown)
February 22, 2013
Mr. Carpenter will always be my favorite Principal. I am going back to the days of Mark Twain School and the 196o's. Your smile, humor and ability to connect with students made you very special.
February 22, 2013
It was my pleasure to work with Dennis during our years together in District 64!
He truly enjoyed the field of education, and especially enjoyed working with the students, teachers, and parents in our district.
He and Carol became good friends of ours, and we had many fun times together.
His tennis game was one of the best around, and it was always a challenge to "try" to beat him. May he rest in peace with our blessings!
Bob and Judy Carruthers
Sharon Fyke
February 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. I was his secretary while he was the Business Manager in District 64. Dennis was always such a pleasant man and wonderful boss, it was truly a joy to go to work everyday.
My sympathies to Carol and his family.
February 22, 2013
Dear Carpenter Family-
I had the chance to work with Dennis from 1991-93 at Dist #64. He was a pleasure to work with and a very nice man. My condolences go out to his family.
Robert Avery
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