Jerry Lee Carpenter, 71, of Mason City, IA, passed away September 28, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
Jerry was born January 10, 1953 in Mason City, son of John and Emma (Kiefer) Carpenter. He attended Mason City High School. For many years he was changing tires for J & L Tire before his father-in-law convinced him he needed to start driving trucks. He didn’t really want to in the beginning but he wasn’t going to tell his father-in-law that. After his first test drive, he was all set and ready to go. In his 30 years driving he was accident free and he truly enjoyed being out on the road. His struggle with MS forced him to retire earlier than he’d have liked. Jerry was united in marriage to Lovella “Mike” Zirbel December 21, 1973. To this union they were blessed with one son, Travis. Following his retirement, he and Mike bought an acreage to give him some room to roam on his scooter.
Jerry’s struggle with MS took a toll over this past year; everyone had expected he’d come home like any other time before. Per his wishes, he will be cremated with a celebration of life to be held at a later time. When his health didn’t have such an impact on his activity; he enjoyed golfing and playing basketball with his friends. Even in the winter time, he’d shovel the Monroe court so that they could play. Jerry also loved watching the Cubbies, Yankees, and Iowa play with his PBR in hand. He always had a smile on his face and he was proud to have grown up in the North end. No matter the struggle, Jerry had a positive attitude about everything. “We’re going to be okay,” he says. His last words to his family were “I love you all!”. His family and friends meant everything to him and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife of over 50 years, Mike; son Travis Carpenter; siblings, Betty Brierly, Bob (Judy) Carpenter,and Joanne Carpenter; mother-in-law, Lola Hennagir; father-in-law, Glen Zirbel; brothers-in-law, Earl, Roy Jr., Michael (Sue), and Daniel Hennagir; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Emma; sister, Dorothy; brothers, Pat, Jackie, and Jim; brother-in-law, Gale Brierly; and father-in-law, Roy Hennagir Sr.
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