Robert Wayne "Bob" Carpenter

Bob Carpenter of Hudson, Florida, passed away at age 82. He was born in Pekin, Illinois. He and his wife Donna were married in 1990. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois in 1992, and then moved to Island Lake, Illinois, where his wife already resided.
He began wintering with his wife in the Pasco County area of Florida in 1999 when his mother-in-law moved into an assisted living facility in Bayonet Point. For the first few years he and Donna rented various homes in Pasco County for a portion of the winter, returning to Island Lake for the remainder of the year. In 2003 they became true "snowbirds" by buying a mobile home in Hudson and in 2017 replacing it with a "brick and mortar" house also in Hudson. In 2021, a decision was made to sell the Illinois house and finally live full time in Florida.
Bob was involved since childhood in square dancing and it was through square dancing that he met Donna. They danced their entire married life and diligently promoted square dancing on a local, state and national level traveling to over 30 National Square Dance Conventions. They were inducted into the Illinois Square Dance Hall of Fame in 2008.
Bob took golf lessons in the mid-eighties after he and Donna started dating so that they could play golf as a couple. They enjoyed golfing together and played until early this year.
Bob and Donna loved to travel and during their long retirement explored many places around the world as well as across the United States. Some trips were combined with Donna's business travel where Bob and other Hollister trustee spouses were always welcomed.
Bob was a wrestler in high school and continued his involvement in the sport by refereeing for over 20 years after his four-year Air Force service and most recently reverting to his high school roots and a wrestling award named after his mother.
While living in Island Lake (1992-2021) Bob held many Village volunteer positions including: Lake Management Committee Chairman, Lake patrol, started and chaired several annual CarpFest fishing derbies, heading up the Big Island Restoration Project, the restoration of the helicopter at Veterans Memorial Park, and chairing numerous village Memorial Day programs. Bob is a lifetime VFW member. He is also a lifetime member of the Island Lake Historical Society.
Bob loved to spend time with family and organized many family get-togethers and reunions. He became the family connector – making phone calls, paying visits, maintaining a family tree and ensuring continued connections across time and miles. He made new friends readily and enjoyed life.
He loved to dress up for parties, holidays or special occasions, sometimes in rather flamboyant, silly outfits or theme costumes. He has a closet full of suits and ties, sport coats, special socks, golf and square dance attire as well as Halloween and other holiday costumes.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Earsel and Ruth Carpenter, his sister, Margaret Crawford and his nephews, David Camden and Duane Camden.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Jody; sister, Joyce (husband Bill) Camden; sister, Rosemary (husband Ted) Francis; brother, Larry Carpenter; nephew Darren (wife Janet) Camden; great niece, Carisa (husband Nate Danz) Camden-Danz; nephew Steve Blackaby; great nieces Brianna & Danielle Blackaby; great nephew, Brandon (wife Annie) Camden; great nephew Thomas (wife Ashley) Camden; niece Ashley (husband Raj Seshadri) Francis; great niece, Evelyn Seshadri; great nephew, Henry Seshadri; nephew, Matt (wife Erin) Francis; great nephews, Elliot and Miles Francis; as well great- great nieces and nephews.
Bob will be laid to rest on October 25, 2024, at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Center, 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Road in Cary, Illinois 60013.