Mike Carpenter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Oakland Park Communities, at the age of 70.

Michael "Karp" Carpenter was born on September 12, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Robert and Caroline (Rockwood) Carpenter. Karp lived in Fowler, Indiana from 1960-1968. This was where his love of baseball and basketball originated. From 1968-1974 Karp lived in Truman, MN and graduated with the class of 1973. In 1974 he moved to Thief River Falls to attend the Vocational School for radio announcing and graduated in 1975. Karp loved spinning records and working at the college radio station. He then continued his education at the Vocational School in Thief River for Sales & Marketing and graduated with that degree in 1976. Karp met the love of his life, Lori Carlson, in the spring of 1975 and they were soon married on September 5, 1976. Karp worked in management for Kinney Shoes from 1976-1985. This job had him and Lori moving from Grand Forks to Bismarck, Minot, Rapid City then to Brookings, SD. In Brookings, Mike and Lori welcomed their 2 children. Dan in December of 1979. Then Beth followed in May of 1982. In July of 1985, Karp and his family moved back to Thief River Falls. He worked for the TRF Credit Bureau from 1986-1988. He also owned and operated Lori's Hallmark with his wife from July 1985 to April 2014. Karp helped his father-in-law, Bob Carlson, as an independent contractor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune starting in 1986. When Bob retired, Karp took over the task full time and continued until he retired in July 2025. He took pride in that he was able to bring the paper to everyone in the northwest MN territory. He figures he put on over a million miles of driving The Star Tribune all those years. Karp was a very hard worker. Working 7 days a week for 39 years for the Star Tribune, all while running a small business and raising a busy family. He was also the President of the United Way in the early 90s. That is something that he was very proud of.

Karp enjoyed bowling and bowled for many years with The Elks League. As many know, Karp was extremely involved with the TRF Men's Softball League. He played the sport for 33 years and was the president of the association at one time. Karp was also an umpire for the softball association from 1998-2021 and had the title of Head Umpire for quite some time. He was very respected by his peers and the players he umped. Karp was very good at umping and didn't take crap from anyone that may have had a beer too many. Being on the ballfield was his release and felt at home there. Karp was a true MN sports fan. He loved watching The Twins, Timberwolves and bleeding purple every single year for the Vikings.

Karp has four grandchildren, Aidan, Brody, Delyla and Romi. Karp treasured being a grandpa and loved watching them grow into their individual personalities. All four gifted and talented in their own ways. Grandpa Mike was truly his happiest when he could go to their activities to cheer them on. Whether it was a choir or band concert. Or a hockey or ball game. He was always the loudest cheerleader in the stands in an almost embarrassing way. He made sure his grandkids definitely knew he was there cheering them on! Grandpa Mike was so proud of them and all their accomplishments.

Karp is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lori. His son Dan (Sara), daughter Beth (Barry), grandchildren Aidan, Brody, Delyla and Romi. His sisters Rena (Jeff) Gillman and Peggy (Roger) Pederson. Nieces and nephews Angie, Sara, Erik, Chris, Cali and Gus. And furry best friend, Shelby.

Karp is preceded in death by his Parents Robert Carpenter and Carolyn Gardner, Stepfather John Gardner, Grandparents, his in laws Bob and Vivian Carlson, brother and sister-in-law Rod and Joni Carlson and baby nephew Matthew Gillman.

A special thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses on the 7th floor and ICU in Fargo and the ER in Thief River for all your care this past year. As well as Hospice and all the Nurses and Care Takers at Oakland Park. You helped Karp through his last 2 weeks and were beyond caring to him and our family at a very hard time. We will never forget how awesome you all were.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life and sharing of memories beginning at 6:00 PM, on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Pennington County Humane Society in Thief River Falls, MN.