RIDGEPORT, Iowa—Bill Carpenter left this world gently on May 15, 2025, surrounded by his cherished family in the comforting embrace of his home. Born Christmas Day 1954, he was the beloved son of John and Ruth Carpenter.
Bill was raised on the farm north of Boone in Ridgeport. He remained in Ridgeport/Boone all of his life. Bill graduated from Boone High School in 1973. His high school class remained close and Bill was instrumental in many of the class reunions celebrating his last with the 50th reunion in 2024.
Bill obtained his AA degree from DMACC and shortly thereafter became a business owner as sole owner of Carpenter Construction, Inc. selling and building grain bins. In 1987 he obtained a dealership with Lester Building Systems, the start of his pole building journey. Bill was well-known and well-respected in the industry. Go anywhere in a 4-county radius and you would see a grain bin or pole building built by Carpenter Construction. and the folks he built for, he knew them all.
Bill had a passion for life and for the things that made it meaningful. Bill was a true New York Yankees fan from the age of 7 and he subscribed to that expensive MLB package to the end. He was fortunate in his life to have attended numerous games from New York to Anaheim. Bill and Lori especially enjoyed catching a Yankees/Royals game in Kansas City. Bill was also a Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed many memories at Lambeau Field with friends. In his younger years, Bill enjoyed men’s slow pitch softball league and bowling. He fished his entire life from the banks of the Des Moines River to Lake of the Woods. He had a pontoon boat on Don Williams Lake in Boone County where he hosted many cruises with friends and family. Many lake patrons heard Village People Y.M.C.A. played at the end of the voyage. Bill and Lori were married on a cruise ship and enjoyed many cruises thereafter.
Bill loved, and was loved by so many. Gatherings were his favorite, whether big or small, he thrived in the company of others. His warmth lit up every room anywhere he went and wherever Bill went, he knew someone – and if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be long before he made a new friend. His friendly smile and outgoing personality made him someone you wanted to get to know. His legacy isn’t measured in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. How blessed we are to have had someone in our lives that saying goodbye to is so very hard. We’ll miss his laugh, his stories, and his wisdom. Rest easy, Bill.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lori, his sister Marsha Crouthamel and her husband, Scott. He is survived by niece Michele (Jeremy) Lundstrom, nephew Brad (Lisa) Crouthamel, nephew John (Laura) Crouthamel, and niece Calista (Jorge) Padilla. He is also survived by extended family.
The Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 6th at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 612 8th Street, Boone, Iowa. A luncheon will be held immediately following the funeral service.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church, 612 8th Street, Boone, Iowa on Thursday, June 5th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
For online condolences, please visit Ames Monument and Cremation Center.
William “Bill” Carpenter, 70, Ridgeport, Iowa
