Carolyn M. Carpenter

Carolyn M. Carpenter

Age 87, of Wayzata, passed away November 7, 2024. Preceded in death by her loving parents, Mae and Lloyd Peterson; and her brother, Tom Peterson.

Carolyn was born and raised in Sioux City Iowa. She made her way to Rock Island, Ill., where she attended and graduated from Augustana College. One fateful day, Marshall spotted her in the library…and asked her to go to Easter services with him. They were married in 1959.

Carolyn and Marshall made their way to Denver for graduate school, then Chicago, then Texas, back to Chicago…before landing in Minnetonka, Minn. where they bought their first home.

Carolyn was an elementary and middle school teacher before having her three children. She was a loving mother that didn't "put up with much"…but always left her kids knowing that they were loved and mattered. She kept up her teaching license and resumed teaching ESL after her kids were older. She loved teaching and she was good at it. Many friends were made through teaching and still exist today.

In 2002, the first of four grandchildren was born. Carolyn relished being a grandmother and doing all the fun stuff that kids love to do. Each grandkid was taken on the "Grand Iowa Road Trip". They visited Sioux City…where it all began… and then continuing to the family farm in Laurel, Neb. If they were lucky, they got to ride the tractor.

Carolyn was forever curious and loved to travel. Throughout the years, she went to many places as far as Thailand, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Iceland and many more.

She was a great friend to many. She was so curious and would want to know everything about you. She was good at remembering the most minute detail and could surprise you with her recollection. If you knew Carolyn, then you likely received a card, flowers, cookies, gift or meal at some point. She was always going out of her way for others. She really was special that way.

Survived by her husband of 65 years, Marshall; sons, Jeff Carpenter (Karen) and Mark Carpenter (Nicole); daughter, Rachel Carpenter (David); grandchildren, Finn Grandy, Dylan Carpenter, Sam Carpenter and Mae Grandy; her younger sister, Robbie Adelman and her family.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at The Hutton House, 10715 S. Shore Dr, Medicine Lake, MN 55441. (952) 470-0788.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Carolyn can be made to Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. or Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance (braininjurymn.org).