John W. "Jack" Carpenter

John W. “Jack” Carpenter was born May 22, 1933, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Lawrence and Helen Julian Carpenter. He grew up in Stoughton and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1951.

Following high school, Carpenter enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years during the Korean War era. His service took him far from Wisconsin. He trained at Manhattan Beach, New York, and served in Maine and California before being stationed for approximately a year on Keslavick Island. By early 1955, Carpenter had returned to the United States and reported to Norfolk, Virginia, following 30 days of leave with his parents in Stoughton.

A contemporary newspaper notice identified him as CS3 John W. Carpenter and listed his assignment with Division S2 aboard Galley 3038 at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. Carpenter's later military marker records his rank as CSG2, U.S. Navy, indicating that he advanced further before completing his Navy service. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to civilian life, Carpenter married Gloria Froh of Sheboygan on September 28, 1957. The couple raised two daughters, Carol and Sue.

Jack built a long working career with Western Electric, later AT&T, where he was employed for 30 years before retiring in 1987. Retirement didn't exactly mean he stopped working. He spent another six years driving for Stoughton Cab and then worked six years with the Lutheran Cemetery Association of Stoughton before fully retiring in 2002.

Carpenter was also deeply involved in veterans affairs. That commitment led him to American Legion Post 59, where he held several leadership positions. He served on the Post's executive committee during Sheldon Stiff's administration and later became Commander of Post 59 in 1966.

His service to others extended well beyond the Legion. Jack volunteered at Skaalen Home for more than 40 years, an extraordinary span of community service. He also enjoyed sports, particularly Chicago Cubs baseball, along with reading and crossword puzzles.

John “Jack” Carpenter died May 4, 2010, at his home in Stoughton at the age of 76, surrounded by his family. He was survived by Gloria, his wife of 53 years, their daughters Carol and Sue, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was buried at Lutheran Cemetery South in Stoughton.

From his years in the Navy to his leadership at American Legion Post 59 and more than four decades volunteering at Skaalen Home, Jack Carpenter spent much of his life quietly serving his community and fellow veterans.

John W. “Jack” Carpenter was born May 22, 1933, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Lawrence and Helen Julian Carpenter. He grew up in Stoughton and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1951.

Following high school, Carpenter enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years during the Korean War era. His service took him far from Wisconsin. He trained at Manhattan Beach, New York, and served in Maine and California before being stationed for approximately a year on Keslavick Island. By early 1955, Carpenter had returned to the United States and reported to Norfolk, Virginia, following 30 days of leave with his parents in Stoughton.

A contemporary newspaper notice identified him as CS3 John W. Carpenter and listed his assignment with Division S2 aboard Galley 3038 at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. Carpenter's later military marker records his rank as CSG2, U.S. Navy, indicating that he advanced further before completing his Navy service. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to civilian life, Carpenter married Gloria Froh of Sheboygan on September 28, 1957. The couple raised two daughters, Carol and Sue.

Jack built a long working career with Western Electric, later AT&T, where he was employed for 30 years before retiring in 1987. Retirement didn't exactly mean he stopped working. He spent another six years driving for Stoughton Cab and then worked six years with the Lutheran Cemetery Association of Stoughton before fully retiring in 2002.

Carpenter was also deeply involved in veterans affairs. That commitment led him to American Legion Post 59, where he held several leadership positions. He served on the Post's executive committee during Sheldon Stiff's administration and later became Commander of Post 59 in 1966.

His service to others extended well beyond the Legion. Jack volunteered at Skaalen Home for more than 40 years, an extraordinary span of community service. He also enjoyed sports, particularly Chicago Cubs baseball, along with reading and crossword puzzles.

John “Jack” Carpenter died May 4, 2010, at his home in Stoughton at the age of 76, surrounded by his family. He was survived by Gloria, his wife of 53 years, their daughters Carol and Sue, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was buried at Lutheran Cemetery South in Stoughton.

From his years in the Navy to his leadership at American Legion Post 59 and more than four decades volunteering at Skaalen Home, Jack Carpenter spent much of his life quietly serving his community and fellow veterans.

on of Lawrence and Helen (Julian) Carpenter. Jack graduated from Stoughton High School in 1951. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years. On Sept. 28, 1957, he married Gloria Froh.
Jack worked for Western Electric, which is now AT and T, for 30 years retiring in 1987. He drove six years for Stoughton Cab and then worked six years with the Lutheran Cemetery Association of Stoughton until his full retirement in 2002.
Jack was involved in veterans affairs that were important to him. He volunteered at Skaalen Home for more than 40 years. Jack enjoyed all sports, especially Cubs baseball, reading and crossword puzzles.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Gloria; two daughters, Carol (Rick Meister) Beghin and Sue (Tom) Frisch; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Jean (Bob) Schwartz; brother, Kenny (Pauline) Carpenter; and many relatives and friends.