Rick A Carpenter
July 15, 1958 - June 08, 2024
Obituary
OREGON - Rick Alan Carpenter, age 65, of Oregon, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on June 8, 2024, following a brief battle with early onset dementia.
Rick was born on July 15, 1958, in Madison, Wis., to Jean (nee Waddell) and Clarence Carpenter. He spent his early years on Madison’s east side before the family relocated to Oregon, Wis., where Rick graduated from Oregon High School in 1976. On May 13, 1989, Rick married Dana (nee Dittmer), and together they welcomed their son, Cameron.
Throughout his professional life, Rick served as a building maintenance engineer at Meriter Hospital and the Wisconsin Medical Society. Beyond his career, he was a talented artist and entrepreneur, particularly skilled in carpentry. In 1995, he founded DisplayIt, specializing in handcrafted custom flag display cases. His creations, renowned for their craftsmanship, honored the military service of veterans across the United States. Rick took great pride in working closely with families, sharing this passion with his father, a Navy veteran who assisted in crafting the flag display cases.
Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to owning a store in Stoughton, Wis., where he not only sold his flag display cases but also showcased local artists’ works. He later established a workshop at home to expand his creative endeavors. An avid supporter of Cameron’s involvement in sports, Rick built a batting cage in their backyard, fostering their shared love for baseball, and inventing the StrikkZone pitching target to enhance Cameron’s skills.
A self-taught enthusiast of technology, Rick was an early adopter of cell phones and computers. He cherished capturing moments through photography and videography, particularly of Cameron’s school events and sports. He created a rich digital collection of memories that he cherished and revisited often. He also wrote and directed a homemade Mountain Dew commercial featuring Cameron as a youngster, a cherished memento that showcased his creativity and love for his son.
Rick’s passion for music, especially classic bands like AC/DC, Queen, and the Beatles, was a constant source of joy, often shared with Cameron. He was always finger drumming to music when one of his many sets of drumsticks wasn’t nearby.
Beyond his hobbies, Rick was an enthusiastic collector of Hot Wheels, Star Wars/Star Trek memorabilia, and vintage toys. He enjoyed cheering for the Packers, Brewers, and the Badgers and cherished time spent with family and friends.
Rick is survived by his beloved son, Cameron, and friend/former wife, Dana. He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia (Charles) Kmet, Terry Carpenter (Mikk Petty), Gail Carpenter (Tom Maerz), Dana Carpenter, and Kim Carpenter; as well as cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Jean Carpenter; his nephew, Dustin Tarkenton; and his niece’s husband, Troy Schoonover.
Rick will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever be treasured by all who knew him.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the community support resources, and to the caregivers from Agrace Age at Home. They also extend thanks to the compassionate medical staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their dedicated care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s name to www.alz.org/wi.
Online condolences may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420