Jean Carpenter

Jean Carpenter, 96, Jamestown, ND died early Saturday morning February 16, 2019 in Ave Maria Village.

Jean A. Kirkhoff was born February 17, 1922 at Oriska, ND, the daughter of Warren Kirkhoff and Josephine (Schlagel) Kirkhoff. She started grade school in Oriska and after moving to Fingal, ND with her parents she graduated from the Fingal High School. She attended the ND Ag College (NDSU) and graduated from Valley City State Teachers College (Valley City State University).

She and George M. Carpenter were married December 31, 1944 at Walla Walla, WA. They made their home in Sanborn, ND where she taught school in Sanborn, Park River, Cuba, Gackle, Urbana and Eckelson, ND. She also taught school in Egan and Henry, SD. In 1964 they moved to Jamestown and in 1982 to Spiritwood Lake. During that time she worked at the ND State Hospital as a Clerk Typist and Assistant Personnel Director retiring in 1984. George passed away April 18, 1985. She and Maynard Carpenter were married in 1999. They lived in rural Jamestown until moving into Jamestown in 2006. Maynard passed away February 21, 2018.

She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND; Member of Eckelson-Sanborn American Legion Auxiliary. Jean’s favorite pastime was playing cards especially Bridge and reading. Her greatest treasures in life were her family and friends.

Surviving are twin daughters Patricia (Jerry) Sova, Jamestown, ND, Priscilla (Larry) Turnboom, Meadowlands, MN; 2 granddaughters Nanette (Wade) Hockert, Fargo, ND; Teri (Jason) Kouba, Grand Forks, ND; 3 grandsons, John (Connie) Sova, Jamestown, ND; Paul (Kari) Sova, Jamestown, ND and Mike (Jenn) Nelson, Duluth, MN; 9 great grandchildren and 1 expected in July;1 step-daughter Sharon (Paul) Ostrye, Bethesda, MD; 2 stepsons, Peter (Laura) Carpenter, St. Paul, MN, and Edmind (Rennae) Gruchalla, Fargo, ND; 5 step grandsons and 3 step granddaughters, 6 step great grandchildren; 1 brother Leonard Kirkhoff, West Fargo, ND and a special niece Paula (Keith) Kolle, Fargo, ND; and a special friend, Grace Altringer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands.