Garry Carpenter
Garry Carpenter, 79, of Staples, passed away October 26, 2025, at the Little Falls Care Center.
Memorial Services were held November 4, at the Motley Free Methodist Church.
Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls at a later date.
Garry Lynn Carpenter was born January 29, 1946, the fifth of ten children born to Henry and Una Carpenter of Staples.
In 1964, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Staples High School. He went to basic training in California and was later stationed in Hawaii. He went into battle in Vietnam, where he was burned while saving fellow soldiers when their amphibious tank struck a landmine. For his bravery and the injuries that he sustained in battle, Garry earned a Bronze Star along with a Purple Heart. He spent the rest of his military career stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Despite how the war and repeated exposure to Agent Orange affected him, Garry was very proud to have served his country. He loved attending Veterans Day programs and had the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. with his wife, Karen.
Garry married Karen Webster of Philbrook, on June 3, 1966. Karen truly was the love of his life and she meant the world to him. They lived at Camp Lejeune while he was enlisted in the Marine Corps. There, they welcomed their son, Garry II, into the world. The family then moved to Hutchinson where Garry worked at 3M for six years. There, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer. The family later returned home to Staples, where Garry built their house next to his parents. He attended the Machine Trades program at Staples Technical College and began working as a machinist at Stern Rubber Company, later transitioning to machine maintenance until his retirement in 2002.
Garry enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and gardening. His biggest passion was spending time in his shop, creating and building machines. He also found great joy in helping others.
For the past 25 years, Garry battled many health issues. Those who knew him believe that his love for family gave him the strength to fight his battles for so many years.
Garry is survived by his loving wife, Karen; one son, Garry (Debbie) Carpenter, II of Staples; one daughter, Jennifer (Tim) Stickler of Rogers; four grandchildren, Lacey (Chris), Nathan, Samantha and Elizabeth; three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Danielle and David; seven siblings, Roland Carpenter, Margaret Montgomery, Henry Carpenter, Jerald Carpenter, Connie Wells, Barbara Morehouse and Shelly Carpenter. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, whom he loved like siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Garry was part of a huge, loving family and they all meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Alva Kettlehut; one brother, Mervin Carpenter and many well-loved brothers and sisters-in-law.
Garry will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He made an impact on all our lives with his love, generosity and humor.
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