Lawrence H. Carpenter

Lawrence “Larry” H. Carpenter, lovingly known as "Uncle" to many, age 78, of Wyoming, Minnesota, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Born on April 22, 1946, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Larry was the beloved son of George and Lillian (Boyer) Carpenter. He grew up in the Frogtown neighborhood, attended St. Vincent’s Grade School, and graduated from Mechanic Arts High School with the Class of 1964. During his high school summers, Larry earned the nickname "Lawnmower Larry" while cutting an expansive lawn at Model Cleaners. After high school, he began his career with Burlington Northern Railroad before transitioning to work as a PCA for children in foster care, a role he embraced for many years with kindness and dedication. Later, he continued his career and retired as a material specialist with O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Larry lived with his sister, Ramona, for many years enjoying and lovingly caring for several nieces and nephews. He also was a pca for foster children during that time. In the mid-1990s, Larry moved to Wyoming, Minnesota, to be with his niece, Jodie, and her family. There, he found great joy in spending time with loved ones. Uncle Larry always prioritized his time and resources around his nieces and nephews. Whenever they needed him, from spending hours caring for them, playing games, going for walks, building snowmen to watching their favorite movies; Uncle Larry was there.

An avid fisherman, Elvis Presley fan, and enthusiastic game-show viewer, Larry lived his life with warmth and humor. He rarely missed picking up a lottery ticket or two each week and was always eager for the annual New Year's Day trip to Hinckley Casino. He also took a few memorable trips to Las Vegas, relishing every moment. He enjoyed playing poker at home with his family, always a good sport but enjoyed talking about his victories. Larry was also an enthusiastic pool player, delighting kids with his trick shots, and he enjoyed playing Cribbage, listening to '50s and 60s music, and watching classic Westerns. He had a soft spot for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," often tearing up while watching the home owners’ joy with the results.

One of his proudest achievements was celebrating 29 years of sobriety on February 17, 2025.

Larry had a gift for making people feel welcome—his extroverted and caring nature ensured that everyone he met felt like a friend. He was humble, generous, and fiercely loyal, always willing to go the extra mile for those he cared about. His quick wit and love for making people laugh will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Carpenter and Lillian (Boyer) Kinney; step-father, Robert “Bob” Kinney; his sisters, Ramona Jaeger and Alice Stiles; and his best buddy, Gene Butler. He is survived by his beloved niece, Jodie (Daniel) Witte, and their children, Alayna Witte, Tomas (Jessa Miska) Witte, and Noelani (Tay Rannow) Witte; brother-in-law, Thomas Stiles; and his special friend, Ellen. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, along with extended family and dear friends.

His resilience, humor, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Larry’s presence in the lives of those he loved was a true gift, and his memory will be held close in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 at Marantha Church-Chisago Lakes Campus, 10963 Lake Blvd., Chisago City, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge or Northwoods Humane Society, Wyoming, Minnesota.