Thomas "Tom" Carpenter

Thomas "Tom" Carpenter

1944 - 2026

Thomas L. Carpenter, age 81, died peacefully at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji, MN on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Thomas LeRoy Carpenter, the son of Helen Leora Marie (Vangen) and Harold Lloyd Carpenter, was born November 15, 1944 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The Carpenter family moved frequently for Harold's work and Tom was a graduate from Northland High School in Remer, MN in 1963. While in high school, Tom enjoyed playing football. Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered into active duty March 31, 1964. He proudly served his country as a MM5 Machinist Mate being honorably discharged on March 30, 1970.

On May 18, 1973, Tom was united in marriage to Elaine Statema in South Dakota. She preceded Tom in death on November 29, 2014.

Following his service in the US Navy, Tom worked on the farm before applying at Minnesota Power and Lights. He was hired on at the power company in 1976, working there until his retirement as a supervisor.

Tom's van was a moving testament to his American pride, covered with his US Navy veteran details for all to see. He was a member of the American Legion McVeigh-Dunn Post #60, Grand Rapids VFW Post 1720, and the Sherman A. Yochum Post 772 in Longville, Minnesota.

Tom can be remembered for restoring three classic cars and was a member of the Car Club in Grand Rapids. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed his life and was pleased to make the Minnesota Veterans' Home Bemidji his final residence.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents, Harold and Helen; son, Dennis Carpenter in 2018; daughter-in-law, Kim Carpenter; step-daughter, Cynthia Kay Smith in 1979; brother, Rodney Carpenter; brother-in-law, Ole Pederson and sister-in-law, Wendy Carpenter.

Tom will be remembered by his sisters, Judy (Tony) Jordan of Swatara/Longville, Karen Pederson of Langdon, ND, Jolene (Roger) Carlson of Longville, and Nadine (Bob) Kempert of Langdon, ND; granddaughter, Chelsea Carpenter; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 30, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church, 1340 County Road 5, Longville, MN with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Cohasset, Minnesota.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.