Robert Eugene Carpenter went to be with Jesus while he slept peacefully on the morning of April 20th, 2024, in his home in LaPorte, Indiana. Bob was 79.
He was born in 1945 in Owosso, Michigan. Remaining are his wife Dianne, three children, seven grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
They married 57 years ago just before he graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in civil engineering. His career was in construction. For almost two decades he was president of Gibson-Lewis, Mishawaka, Indiana, a commercial contractor. Bob was a builder and woodworker.
He and Dianne dreamed of building a house together from the time of their engagement. He retired at age 59 in 2004 to give his full attention to personally constructing a dream house on his rural property. He enjoyed mentoring young men in constructing his house.
He was in charge of the renovation of two commercial properties to become church buildings for the churches he belonged to. He gave countless hours to these projects, as well as to the restoration of the County Barn next to the County Home, the construction of the Rumely Allis-Chalmers LaPorte Heritage Center, and friends’ home projects.
He and his wife were membership chairmen of the Sunday Farmers for a dozen years. He’s been a member of State Street Community Church since 2010.
He was industrious, faithful, selfless, quiet, and gentle. He cared deeply about the legacy of the Founding Fathers and our Pilgrim Fathers, from whom he and his wife were descended. He was a devoted father and Christian who loved and was loved by his family.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 24th, from 4-7 pm and on the day of the funeral from 10-11 am at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A public funeral will begin at 11 on Thursday, also at Essling Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the LaPorte County Sunday Farmers or The PAX Center.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bob's life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.
