Dennis Carpenter, 84, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND with his loving family at his side.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding.  Burial will follow at St. Dorothy Cemetery in Dorothy, MN.

Dennis Carpenter was born on February 16, 1933 in Crookston, MN the son of Louis and Gertrude (Veenstra) Carpenter. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Dorothy, MN. Dennis attended country school in Numedal Township and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN.

On June 23, 1952, Dennis was united in marriage to Patricia L. Erickson and they had six children, Curtis, Shelley, Greg, Tammy, Kristi and Chad.  They lived on a farm in Numedal Township (Carpenter's Corner) where they raised small grains and beef cattle.  From 1959 until 1970, Dennis bred and raced thoroughbred race horses throughout the country and he was joined by his family in the summer time.  They lived for many years while traveling in a remodeled purple school bus.  He also worked hauling grain mostly to Duluth, MN.

Dennis with his Dad, Louie and brothers, Randy and Clark owned and operated several enterprises at the same time including Carpenter's Corner Bar, Dance Barn and the Carpenter family farm.  He enjoyed pitching on the Carpenter's Corner baseball team.  Dennis absolutely loved when friends would find time to stop by and visit.

In the late 1960's and 1970's, Dennis enjoyed racing snowmobiles.  He was involved in several local and I-500 cross country races.  He also enjoyed hunting large and small game and was an excellent shot.  In the early 1970's he studied karate and as the years went on Dennis earned his Black Belt.  Dennis enjoyed working just as hard in his retirement as he did before, taking care of his CRP, working on his implements or tractors, cutting wood or just sitting in his favorite chair watching a good Western.

On July 31, 1999, Dennis was united in marriage to Cristy Sandoval at their home.  To this union Cristy's daughter, Kristine became part of the family and Dennis raised her as his own.  The couple enjoyed traveling together all over the world and most recently in France and Netherlands, the home of his grandparents.  They also enjoyed spending time at their home in the Philippines near Cristy's family.

Dennis was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and Eagle's Club in Thief River Falls.

Survivors include his loving wife, Cristy; children, Curtis (Betty) Carpenter, Shelley (Don) Fredericks, Greg (Laurie) Carpenter, Tammy (Keith) Carlson, Kristi (Jim) Carpenter, Chad (Mieh) Carpenter and Kristine Sandoval and her son, Charles; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brothers, Randy (Jeannie) Carpenter and Clark (Sadie) Carpenter; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Dina.