Kevin Carpentier, age 57, of Northfield, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 20, 2015, at his home. Kevin was born May 21, 1958, in New Prague, to Roger A. and Julianne H. (Wermerskirchen) Carpentier. He attended St. Nicholas Parochial School, graduated from New Prague High School, and received his Bachelors Degree from the University of St. Thomas. Kevin married Mary Pat Hanzel, the love of his life, on July 3, 1981, at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague. He worked in marketing and sales and recently retired after 30 years with SKF USA, Inc. (Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB). Kevin’s life revolved, in many ways, around his love for and stewardship of nature. He was an ethical fisherman and hunter, and particularly loved traditional bowhunting. Kevin was an artist, creating his own cedar arrows, exquisite decoys that he both carved and painted to be used in spear fishing, and making turkey calls out of turkey wing bones. He was an excellent cook, using the mushrooms and what he gathered or hunted from nature to produce wonderful meals. Most of all, Kevin was devoted to his family and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Kevin fought hard during his 4-year battle with cancer and remained positive throughout.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Mary Pat; children, Elizabeth (& Brayton) Grinnell of Madison, WI, Emilie Carpentier of Bemidji, Andrea Carpentier of Lonsdale; granddaughter, Hadley; mother, Julianne Carpentier of New Market; brothers, Steve (& Deb) of Faribault, Tom of New Market; sisters, Nancy Roering (& Larry Clark) of Melrose, Susan Carpentier of Maple Grove, Paulette (& Larry) Siedow of Coon Rapids. He is preceded in death by his father, Roger “Carp” Carpentier.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation will take place Tuesday from 4-7 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Lunch will be served at the KC Hall in New Prague.
