Marian E. Carpenter

Marian E. Carpenter, age 82 of Spring Valley, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at Luther Hospital, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Marian was born February 16, 1926, the daughter of Freeman and Bernice (Hatch) Lamb at Glendive, Montana. She was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Spring Valley and presently a member of the Congregational Church in Menomonie.

Marian attended the Highland Ridge School and Spring Valley High School. On July 28, 1942, Marian was married to Clair Carpenter at the Methodist Parsonage, Elmwood. They had four children: Stephen, Dennis, Anne and Elizabeth.

Clair and Marian lived in the Spring Valley area most of their married life. They farmed for a few years west of Spring Valley and later moved into town. Marian worked for a while at a sewing factory in River Falls and a number of years at the Super Value Store in Spring Valley. Marian loved to golf and bowl, as long as she was able. Lovingly known to her family as "Granny," Marian loved to follow the activities of her kids and grandchildren. She made great popcorn, macaroni and cheese, and her potato salad was best in the world.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Clair; who died Dec. 13, 1979; daughter, Anne Carlson; and one sister, Berneda Donley.

Survivors include Stephen (Kathleen) Carpenter of Eden, Wisconsin; son-in-law John Carlson of Madison; Dennis (Karen) Carpenter of Middleton; and Beth (Ross) Keehr of Spring Valley; one brother, Merton (Louise) Lamb of Menomonie; one sister, Edith Jensen of Spring Valley; eight grandchildren, Aric (Samantha) Carpenter, Amy (Andrew) Michie, Michael (LeeAnn) Carpenter, Nicholas (Emmie) Carpenter, Amanda (Tom Renteria) Keehr, Katie (Jonathan) Washington, Cristi (Bryan) Kinkel and Samantha (Darrel) Perry; five great-grandchildren, Julia and Madeline Carpenter, Alexander and Duncan Michie, and Addison Carpenter, her partner in crime Resh Tanberg, other relatives and friends.

Visitation was on May 30, 2008, at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Funeral service was on May 31 at the funeral home with Rev. Carmen Peterson officiating. Burial was in Spring Lake Cemetery, rural Spring Valley.

"Granny's" grandchildren served as pallbearers.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements.