Wilbur (Bill) P. Carpenter, 84, of Austin, died Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

He was born April 28, 1927, in Waltham, Minn., to Mary (Kesselring) and Earl Carpenter. During the end of World War II, he served in the Navy Seabees and was stationed in Guam. After completing his service he married Bernice Flicek on Nov., 27, 1948, at Queen of Angels Parish in Austin. The couple remained in Austin and raised their family here.

He worked for the State of MN Department of Agriculture as a livestock weigher at the Hormel Co., where he remained until his retirement. Bill loved hunting, camping and fishing. And in the early years, he and his wife co-owned C and H sporting good store. Following retirement, Bill and Bernice spent their summers in their camper on Woman Lake. He also was an avid reader and loved western books (especially Louis Lamour).

Survivors include his wife, Bernice; son, William (Melinda) Carpenter of Forest City, Iowa; daughters, Karen (Don) Turbett of East Bethel, Ellen Hanson of Ramsey, Leigh (Russ) Sylvester of Wabasha, and Susan (Jess) Baune of Rochester; 16 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers; sisters; son, Craig and grandson, Brian Studer.

A memorial gathering will be 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug., 12, at Mayer Funeral Home, Austin. Military rites will be by VFW Post 1216.