"Dear Carpenter family, May God console you during this difficult time of grieving. I did not know Gordon all that well because he was about 8 years older than me; however, I do remember that my brother Nick would always be wanting to get a game together, and it seemed to me that Pod and Chuck were almost always the most reliable and ready to set aside whatever they were working on to help put a team together, whether it was for street football, tennis ball, or pool. Many of the details of the games themselves are lost in the deep recesses of my memory, but I do remember that Pod always had great character. He was a great role model to me about the great sportsmanship saying, \"It\'s not about winner or losing but how you play the game.\" Pod was someone that exemplified that... In my thoughts and prayers, Deacon Charlie Bernhard"
In loving memory of
Gordon H. "Pod" Carpenter
October 13, 1961 - September 2, 2021
A funeral Mass for Gordon "Pod" Carpenter, formerly of Bancroft, be held Thursday at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. The funeral will be live streamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page https://youtu.be/vyI42avbik4. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft with a Scripture Prayer Service beginning at 7 immediately followed by a time to share memories. Memorials may be directed to Gordon Carpenter Memorial Fund which will be directed in his memory to Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City. Cards may be sent to his sister, Sue Halter, 1090 Milsted Drive, Hiawatha, IA 52233.
On September 2, 2021, Gordon Harvey "Pod" Carpenter passed away at the age of 59.
Pod was born on October 13, 1961 to Bernard and Dorothy Carpenter. He graduated from St. John Bancroft, schooled at both Northwestern College & Briar Cliff University.
He is survived by 5 brothers and 4 sisters, and preceded by his parents, his brothers Larry & Tom & his brother in law Gary.
Pod was a lifelong and devoted fan of baseball: St. John's High School, his nephew's Xavier Saints, and especially the Minnesota Twins, even when they disappointed him. Pod also loved all things Iowa Hawkeye, most of all Hawkeye basketball. He loved to play sports as well, especially tennis, where his loaded topspin forehand and low, skidding serve earned him a spot on his college team.
Pod was a tireless manager for Sears for over 25 years; he was beloved by both his employees and regional management for his work ethic, competency, and sense of humor.
Pod loved music of many genres, especially rock and roll. He was a student of history, specifically World War 2 and the Kennedy years. Perhaps most surprising, he acquired an under the radar cooking ability, treating his family and friends to his chili, lasagna, and excellent, marinated grilled foods.
All these interesting facts of life are just that, facts. Facts, however, cannot convey the content of his character. Dutiful, selfless, caring, intelligent, devoted to his parents and caretaker to his mother, always willing to help and rarely ever asked for same; he NEVER complained about the awful card he was dealt, instead he enjoyed every day he was alive, no matter how bad he felt.
And in his long, painful illness this understated, modest, unassuming, decent man summoned a courage and strength that astounded even those of us who were so very close to him.
There's a picture of Pod from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown (wearing, of course, his Twins jersey). He's standing under a Jackie Robinson quote: "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives". Pod was a prince and a fighter, and the way he lived, and ended, his life impacted so many lives, in such a memorable way. Long live his inspiration that comes down and through and onto all of us. God Bless him.
Tributes
"I worked with Gordon for many years at Sears. He was a great friend...kind and caring. He was passionate about his family and my heart hurts for his family. He isn\'t suffering any longer and will always be alive and happy in our memories.?"
"My sympathy to the entire Carpenter family, what a beautiful tribute to Gordy! What a wonderful reunion it must have been with your parents, Larry and Tom?Gordy was always so kind in school and loved to talk about sports, I am so glad he was able to make the trip to Cooperstown. May all of the memories give you comfort and peace during this sad time and may the Lord wrap his arms around all of you. God bless?"
"My sympathy to the entire Carpenter family! I\'m excited to know that Gordy was able to make the trip to Cooperstown! God bless you all and may he rest in peace. Cathy Kelly"
"Jim and I are deeply saddened to hear of Gordie?s death. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Goodie was a good man and will be missed by all who knew him."
"What a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful human. Many were those who were touched by his special brand of gentle and unassuming kindness. May his memory always be for a blessing."
"What a wonderful young man Gordy was! He spent a lot of time at our house and was always a real gentleman. Your whole family has my sympathy and prayers. Also would like to include his good friend Ed in my prayers and sympathy. God Bless Gordy. Ann Degen"
"Chuck and the rest of Gordie?s family, we extend our most sincere condolences. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May all the wonderful memories you each have of Gordie bring a smile to your heart during this difficult time, "
"Pod epitomizes the perfect friend. Always enjoyed our time together, especially debating the Hawkeyes versus the Cyclones. He was more than a friend, he was my brother and I am thankful for the time we had together in this life and look forward to hanging out upstairs."
"Gordon hired me at Sears Ft Dodge in 2004 and we worked together for several years at Sears in Des Moines as well. Gordon left a permanent imprint on myself and everyone he met. He was one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I\'ve ever come across! Even after his diagnosis, when we would go out to lunch...his first questions were always about how my family was doing. Even in his darkest hours, he put others first. I had the pleasure of many years of friendship with Gordon! We experienced lots of fond memories of \"beef burgers\" for lunch, March Madness Brackets, Fantasy Baseball/Football, Iowa basketball and his love for the Twins. We all know how deep his love for the Twins was! I will never forget the image of Gordon showing up for sand volleyball with his AM headphones on listening to the game....\"Gordon, you know there\'s still 161 more games...right?\" Gordon would do everything in his power not to miss a game. There\'s one thing in this world Gordon loved more than Twins baseball and Iowa Basketball...and that was his family. I always enjoyed the countless stories and memories he shared. He was the definition of a person who puts family first. Who would have thought, that one interview for a part time job in college, would have led to one of the biggest blessings in my life. Thanks for everything Gordon! Win Twins, Ryan Neff"
"Deepest sympathy to the Carpenter family. Rest in peace Pod ??"