Melvin LeRoy Carpenter, 84

Melvin LeRoy Carpenter, 84, Rochester, died Friday at his home. Born Sept. 7, 1923, in Bay City, he grew up in Red Wing and graduated from high school here.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served from 1943 to 1948. When the war ended in Europe, he played hockey in the Air Force. He married Elaine Romness on June 4, 1948, and moved to Rochester shortly after. She died Nov. 6, 1999. He worked at the Post Office as a letter carrier for several years, retiring as a postmaster in Elgin in 1985. He worked at Marquette Bank from 1985 to 1993. He was a member of VFW Post 1215 for more than 50 years and was a member of the senior center. He was a baseball fan and loved the Twins and the Cubs. He enjoyed baking, especially fruit breads to give away.

@Normal: Survivors include two daughters, Pam Burton of Rochester and Julie (Don) MacDonald of Webb Lake, Wis.; two sons, Scott (Kelly Brenno) of Rochester and Tim (Ann Koth) of La Crosse, Wis.; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four sisters, a brother, and a grandson.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Revs. Gary Benson and Carol Solovitz officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester, and for one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to selected charities.

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