Vera B. Carpenter
August 12, 1926 - May 16, 2016
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE-Vera B. Carpenter, age 89, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016. She was born on Aug. 12, 1926, in Madison, the daughter of Clarence and Josephine (Kempfer) Goth. Vera married Myron Carpenter on Oct. 11, 1947, in Madison. Vera was employed as a Data Entry Supervisor with the University of Wisconsin-Madison until her retirement. She was a past member of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and currently belonged to the VFW Post No. 7591. Vera had a variety of interests including camping, crocheting and cross-stitch, but mostly treasured time spent with her family. Vera is survived by her daughters, Linda (Kevin) Witkowski and Tina Carpenter; son, Larry Carpenter (Marjorie); five grandchildren including her special granddaughter and caretaker, Alexis (Todd) Gray, Christopher Fry, Michael (Ashley) Lich, Hannah (Brian) Powell and James Jenks; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Alyssa and Ethan Gray, Sadie and Taylor Fry, and Gavin and Ava Lich; sister, Carol Damson; brothers, Sheldon (Freda) Goth, Ronald Goth, Gary (Claudette) Goth, Howard (Ilene) Martin and Delmar (Rosie) Scharnhorst; and sister-in-law, Angie Goth. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Myron in 1994; brother, Merlin; sister, Shirley Heath; sister-in-law, Hazel Goth; and brothers-in-law, Bill Heath and Paul Damson. Funeral services will held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 10 a.m., on Friday, May 20, 2016, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, May 19, 2016, and also on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu May 19, 2016 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Fri May 20, 2016 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Fri May 20, 2016 @ 10:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
CF
chris fry
Other •
Finding the words to adequately express how much my grandmother meant to me is challenging. While her passing came at the end of a long struggle, the longevity of that struggle typifies her strength of character. Grandma, as I have always referred to her, was an amazing woman.
My memories of her will forever be marked by her intelligence, aptitude, sincerity, and generosity; the very characteristics that were stolen from her by her medical condition. Yet it is these characteristics that a young boy and as a young man that I have always been most fond of. My fondest memories of my grandmother is her taking her invaluable time and playing a board game with my sister and I. Typically, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Two games that I play even to this day; some 30 years later.
My grandmothers sense of public service has also made an indelible imprint on me. Coming from a generation that understood struggle; she gave back tirelessly to her local VFW and community.
She sadly left us long ago; but her love and guidance was powerful enough to carry us far beyond the time we had with her. With all the love in my heart, thank you Grandma, for all the love and memories that you gave me.
Chris
LS
Lavonne Summers
Other •
My sympathy to Veras family. My prayers are with all of you.
TW
Todd & Lois Wolf
Other •
Tina and Family
Thinking of you during this difficult time. It's always hard to lose those that we care and love. Your family was always one of the "staples" families of Cottage Grove back in the day just like mine. Your parents, along with many of our old neighbors will hold a fond place in my memory.
With Sympathy,
Todd and Lois Wolf
JR
James Ryan
Other •
To Vera's children, Your mother was a sweetheart as you all know! For over 30 years we at the Salon enjoyed seeing her infectious smile and loving personality. She was not just a Client, she was a friend! We share your loss.
TC
Tina Carpenter
Other •
Mom holding Alyssa and Ethan around the time of their 1st birthday. She loved her babies...
+ 3
SL
Sue Lawrence
Other •
My sympathy to Vera's family. I'm remembering the many great times spent at VFW State Conventions with Vera and Mike. They were great mentors to Steve and I. They did so much for America's Veterans and their families. They were great friends. Sue Lawrence