Jack L. Carpenter, 89, of Rapid City, died at a local Health Care facility on Sunday, February 9, 2020.

A memorial service will be 11:00am Monday, February 17, 2020 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, with Rev. Dr. Ted Huffman officiating. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com

Jack was born on May 5, 1930 in Le Mars, Iowa to Lester and Nina (Bosworth) Carpenter.  Jack graduated from Spearfish High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Black Hills State, Masters from SDSU and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, honorably discharged as a corporal in 1954.  He would say the only thing his physics degree was good for was keeping him from being shot in Korea.

While in Laramie, Wyoming, he met Shirley Fell, and they were married on June 8, 1958 in Blue Hill, Nebraska. For a time, he sold insurance in Mandan, North Dakota before becoming Principal at Newcastle High School.  In 1964, Jack taught mathematics at Douglas High School until retiring in 1985.

Jack was a member of the UCC Church, Elks Lodge, and SD Teachers Association.

Jack is survived by his children; Cris (Gerry) Minor, Todd (Becci) Carpenter, and Ron Carpenter, 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, daughter Jackie Battey, and his parents.