Dale Darwin Carpenter's Obituary
Big Rapids-Dale Darwin Carpenter, 81, of Big Rapids passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Dale was born in Grand Rapids on May 9, 1934, the son of Russell and Marion (Aemisegger) Carpenter and was a graduate of Rudyard High School. In 1952 during the Korean Conflict, he joined the US Navy, serving for five years. In 1957 he reenlisted with the US Air Force and served for 21 years, retiring as Master Sergeant from Kinchloe AFB in 1977. While serving in the Air Force, Dale worked for the Strategic Air Command and the Air Education and Training Command. In 1978, Dale moved with his family to Big Rapids where he has lived since. He was a member of the American Legion Post 98 and the AMVETS post 1941. Dale is survived by a daughter, Vickie Ingle of Peterburg, VA; two sons, Russell McMahon of Woodside, CA and Leif Carpenter of Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren, Wendy, Margaux, and Darren; son-in-law, Larry Rogers of Mascoutah, IL; sister, Vivian Newton of Grand Rapids; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally in 2002; daughter, Zoe Rogers in 2007; and sister, Marlene Zasadil. Services for Dale will be 1:00 pm Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of American Legion Post 98 and AMVETS Post 1941. Memorial contributions for the Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial Park may be left at the funeral home, where Dale's family will greet friends beginning at 11:00 am Thursday.
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