Irene M. Carpenter

Irene M. Carpenter, age 73, of Welch, died on Friday, January 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Irene Margaret Carpenter was born on October 9, 1950, in Red Wing, the daughter of Arthur and Pearl (Van Guilder) Gruber. She grew up and went to school in Vasa, where she met her future husband, Dave, who moved to Vasa in 1964. They graduated from the 8th grade together, then went to Cannon Falls High School, where they again graduated together in 1969. She then attended Southcentral Technical College in Faribault. On December 28, 1974, she married the love of her life, David Carpenter. Irene worked at various jobs around the area such as Kid Duds and Midwest Imports, but really loved working at Gemstar. She enjoyed her coworkers very much, and retired from there in 2015.

Irene was a lifelong member of Vasa Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. As a young woman she loved horses and was a member of the Vasa Christian Ridge Riders Saddle Club. She had a love for animals of all kinds. Irene loved country living in the house they built in the very pasture where, as a girl, she helped her parents bring in the cows. She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts when her boys were young. Irene enjoyed baking, cooking, dancing, and especially loved singing along with any music. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her husband Dave and his music, and was a valuable resource for him. Family was important in Irene’s life and she cherished the time spent with her children and grandsons.

Survivors include her husband David A. Carpenter, children Darrel Jo Carpenter, Darla Jean (Kory Mueske) Carpenter, Dustin James Carpenter, and Diana Joy (Dan) Bjurquist; grandsons Jacob, Landon, Jesse, and Wyatt; brothers Edward Gruber and Jim (Lora) Gruber; sister Audrey (Murlyn) Rosener; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and twin sons Allen David and Jacob Lee in 1976.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Vasa Lutheran Church, 15235 Norelius Rd, Welch, MN 55089. There will be a visitation at the church from 10-11 am, before the memorial service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Irene's serivce will be livestreamed, and may be viewed by clicking the link below.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Irene's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Thursday,February 1, 2024, at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.