Franklin “Ted” Carpenter

He was born May 21, 1947, in Loudon, Tenn., son of the late Frank and Beatrice (Cadle) Carpenter. A United States Army war veteran who served his country faithfully in Vietnam, he was awarded numerous decorations, citations and medals including a purple heart for wounds received in action.

He served from Oct. 31, 1968, was part of the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, known as the “First Regiment of Dragoons,” and was honorably discharged on March 12, 1970.

Frank, known by his friends and family as Ted, was a skilled woodworking craftsman who loved riding his Harley Davidson, touring the U.P. countryside and Montana with his wife. An electrician by trade, Ted built his log cabin with his bare hands.

A strong loyalty to his country and his faith in Jesus Christ, Ted was known for his white beard and gruff exterior. He was a member of Mission Covenant Church in Foster City, the NRA (Lifetime member), the DAV, VFW, Order of the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Vets of America.

To people who knew him personally, Ted was quick to laugh and always up for a good joke. Ted was blessed with a large and loving family.

He was married to his wife of 51 years, Judy (Vergowven) Carpenter on June 20, 1971 in Dundee, Mich. Ted was a father to his two children, grandfather to four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, brother, and friend to many. He will be sorely missed by his loved ones.

He is survived by this wife, Judy; his daughter, Amy (Robert) Baker; his son, Jeremiah (Kelly) Carpenter; his grandchildren, Brandi (Jonathan) Palmer, Brayden, Nadia, and Scarlett Carpenter; his great-granddaughter, Aubrey Palmer; his three brothers, Phillip, Timothy and Mark; his two sisters, Rena Standifer and Becky Gerth; and several nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ava Marie; his sister-in-law, Roxane Carpenter; and a brother-in-law, Gary Standifer.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 at Mission Covenant Church in Foster City. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Kyle Henderson will officiate.

Burial will be in the Felch Cemetery. The Felch-Breen VFW Post 4803 will conduct military graveside honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) or the veterans organization of your choice.

Condolences to the family of Ted Carpenter may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.