Russell Thomas Carpenter was born on Christmas Eve, 1934 to Lynville and Berniece (Swenson) Carpenter in Rumford, Maine and came to Wisconsin with his family as an infant. He died peacefully on Sunday, April 27 at the Valley VNA.

He grew up on Doty Island, graduated from Neenah High School and the University of Wisconsin with a degree in chemical engineering. A few weeks later he married Marigen Braun, a classmate from middle school through college. They had four children: Steven, Keith, Lynn and John.

Russ lived a long and full life. He worked for Kimberly Clark for 40 years in research, mill management and new market development, during which time he visited 27 countries in Europe and Asia. He has skied the Olympic downhill course in Austria, built a Lightning class sailboat in sections in the basement, assembled it in the garage and then learned to sail. He taught his family to love camping, skiing, sailing and fixing things.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade was an important part of his life for 76 years as a young brigader, leader, director, treasurer, Rough Craftsman and donor and was a proud recipient of the S.F. Shattuck award. He loved having coffee weekly with other Brigade alumni in his later years. He also enjoyed his membership in the Neenah Club and the friends he made there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alvin, his sister-in-law Susan, and his niece Lisa and his brother-in-law Bud Hjerstedt. He is survived by his wife, Marigen, and children: Steve (Abby), Keith, Lynn (Scott Berry) and John (Tina); his 10 grandchildren: Dave (Melissa), Kate, Sarah (Adam Wahl), Anna (Trent Lancaster), Will, Grayson, and Alexa (Jack Poehlmann), Stewart Berry (Shannon), Nolan Berry (Callee) and Nora Berry; and 7 great grandchildren: Tyler, August, Sullivan, Louis, Amelia, Liam and Miles. He is also survived by his sister, Sally Hjerstedt, and several nieces & nephews.

The camping, skiing, boating and love of life and family will go on. Happy memories will be a blessing.

The family thanks the caregivers at St. Paul’s Elder Services, Theda Care Hospice and the Valley VNA, all of whom did their utmost to bring him strength, comfort and healing, and the many friends who's caring and support brightened his days immensely.

Services will be held on Friday May 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Neenah. A luncheon and reception will be held in the church Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.