Ken T. Carpenter

Ken T. Carpenter passed away on June 6, 2025, at Ecumen Assisted Living of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, at the age of 83. Born on December 26, 1941, in Detroit Lakes, Ken lived a life dedicated to serving his community and family, with a profound sense of pride in his career and enjoyment of the outdoors.

After completing his education at Detroit Lakes High School in 1959, where he distinguished himself in baseball, football, and basketball, Ken pursued further studies at the College of Pharmacy at North Dakota State University, graduating in 1963. His commitment to his profession was unwavering, enjoying a distinguished career that spanned 35 years. Ken proudly owned and operated Service Drug in Detroit Lakes alongside Broadway Pharmacy and Northport Drug in Fargo, North Dakota. Upon retiring in 1999, he moved to the picturesque Floyd Lake, where he embraced a new chapter of his life filled with adventure.

In his retirement years, Ken found immense joy in traveling with his loving wife, Sharon, exploring warm destinations such as Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Their marriage, celebrated for 51 wonderful years after their union in 1974, was marked by a powerful bond, fond memories, and shared laughter. Ken's enduring sense of humor and his joy in the company of family and friends were hallmarks of his character. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, remaining actively involved in their lives while crafting lifelong memories together.

Ken was a man of diverse passions, renowned for his love of the great outdoors. His spirit thrived in activities such as golf, skiing, hunting, and fishing; he embraced a sport for every season, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every pursuit. Additionally, he found great satisfaction in the camaraderie of good friends, enjoying countless moments of laughter and joy in their company.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Carpenter [Beckman]; his children, Kristi [Dan] Schmitz, Gail [John] Jordan, and Andrea Jegier; step-children Sheila [Jeff] Laney, Tom [Trish] Strom, and Jon [Theresa] Strom; as well as 11 grandchildren: Courtney [Taylor], Mathew [Macy], Kayla, Bailey, Elizabeth [Zach], Cody [Linda], Samantha [Micah], Patrick [Brigette], Halle [John], Aubrey [Ryan], and Riley. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Jack, Marta, Hannah, Georgia, Luka, August, and Oliver. Ken is further survived by his sisters, Kay Helm and Karen Carpenter Grimm.

He was predeceased by his parents, Glenn and Alice Carpenter; and brothers-in-law Mike Helm and Fred Grimm.

Services in honor of Ken will be held on June 17, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. A Graveside Service will take place at 2:00 PM at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Ken's legacy lives on through the laughter and love he shared, a testament to a life well-lived that inspired those fortunate enough to know him. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary caregivers at Ecumen Assisted Living for the compassionate care bestowed upon Ken in his time of need.