Stella Carpenter

The twinkle in our father's eyes has probably again returned. For at long last he was re-united with our mother this last Friday, November 18th. And our mother Stella Ella Carpenter received her long last wish. To finally put to rest her aged, tired and failing earthly body to be together again with him.

She was ushered home by her loving family and the St. Lucas staff who shared in her life and care for her last 7 years.

Mom was born on the family farm in Wheatland Township on March 8th, 1923. To her proud full blood Czech parents Frank and Rose (Trcka) Uhlir. After her 6th grade graduation began life on her own by first working at McKenna's Resort on Lake Mazaska. It was then mom had to grow up fast, as many did during that era. And during that time was high in demand for moving in with families needing temporary household assistance. Often cooking, cleaning and mothering large families while the families own mother was in bed recovering from childbirth. Later, at the Blue Moon dance hall she met her young, handsome Frenchman Ambrose E. Carpenter.

They wed on January 7, 1942 in the blistering cold. Mom had wished for an autumn wedding but it was delayed. She needed to wait till the pig was fattened for market, affording the necessary attire for her brother.

But those early years were a struggle as our dad was drafted for World War II in their first year of marriage. As many women then, being alone and taking care of our oldest brother Bob but our mother persevered. My dad did not even get to see his Bob till he was 3 years old upon returning from war.

A happy married life would be theirs for 66 years. A love of gardening was always evident in her beautiful, expansive and abundant gardens. And a good Czech always needs to dance and their love of old time music was apparent on many a Saturday nights. A born fisherwoman, owning her own trolling motor, working the shores in the early morning of their lake cabin. And multiple trips up north to Kettle Falls, and later Grand Rapids. Many a northern fish, met their match in our mothers net.

Mom was absolutely meticulous about her cooking and cleaning. The food had to always be fresh and hot. Her laundry bleached white and iron pressed. We will all fondly remember the "banquet" she would so proudly present for every family holiday. A favorite being her poppy seed rolls, and Christmas candies with her own butternuts, which she would painstakingly crack throughout her winter months (if she wasn't out ice fishing).

She moved faster and worked harder than most and loved doing it. A wonderful life was ours to be. Thank you mom and dad for your loving legacy. It will indeed live on through all of us. Mom leaves behind her four remaining children, Sharon (Dean) Bauer, Francis (Jeanette) Carpenter, Ronald (Sue) Carpenter, and Marian (James) Langeslag; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her brother Francis Uhlir, sister, Deloris (Jerry) Broin, brother in law Leonard (Cathy) Carpenter and daughter in law Lois Wakefield. Many relatives, extended St. Lucas Family, and her wonderful friends.

Preceding her in death is her beloved husband, Ambrose, sons Ambrose Jr. (Bob) Carpenter and Ralph Carpenter. Sisters Gladys Roell and Loretta Wagener. Brothers in law, Bernard Carpenter, Joe Hrabe, Joe Adamek, Harvey Wagener, and Elmer Roell. Sisters in laws, Caroline Uhlir, Violet Hrabe, and Anna Carpenter.

With little fanfare, Stella's brother Francis Uhlir quietly followed his big sister home on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.