January 15, 1955 — November 11, 2025
Jeff’s family is planning a private party to celebrate his life.
Jeffery Lee Carpenter, son of Donald and Margaret (Erbs) Carpenter, was born January 15, 1955, in Alta, Iowa. He attended Fairview Elementary School, then Alta Community School through high school. At a very young age Jeff displayed an uncommon talent for working on cars. So, after high school, he attended a trade school and became certified as an auto mechanic.
Early in his career Jeff worked at Juniata Junkyard with Virgil Miller, County Line Auto Salvage near Alta and Aurelia, then Bob’s Garage in Storm Lake for many years. He eventually became employed at Arnolds Park Amusement Park, where he continued to work for the past 20 years.
Jeff was born to be a mechanic. Others were envious of his amazing ability and his understanding of mechanics. He inspired so many others and shared his knowledge along the way.
Jeff loved racing. He preferred to be in the pits as part of the action rather than in the stands as a spectator. He drove the wrecker for races at Buena Vista Raceway in Alta. Jeff shared his passion for cars with his daughters, taking them to the races and to car shows. He allowed them to drive race cars at a young age and taught them how to paint cars. He always said he didn’t need boys because his girls could do anything boys could do.
Jeff also liked to drag race hotrods. He could drive a car like no other. Cars were his true passion in life.
Later in life Jeff shared his love of cars with his grandson Xavier, played pool with his granddaughter Maddy, and took Elijah and Gabby grocery shopping and treated them to Shirley Temples.
Jeff crossed the final finish line November 11, 2025, at the age of 70.
Survivors include his daughters: Theresa Carpenter (Auggie), Bobbi Carpenter, and January Carpenter (Michael); grandchildren: Xavier, Caleb, Gabrielle, Madison, Charlie, Elijah, Justin, and Alexis; sisters: Cindy Krause, Cheryl (Delbert) Winterhof, and Fran Carpenter; nephew Josh Carpenter; many other nieces and nephews and family members; and countless friends, including his special bar friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Margaret, brother Dan Carpenter, and son-in-law Ben Herbert.
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