Dennis Dale Carpenter
Dennis Dale Carpenter, known to all as “Dale,” passed away from cancer on April 16, 2025, at his home in Kuna, Idaho, surrounded by friends and family. He was born on November 21, 1946, in Porterville, California, to Arthur Carpenter and Bessie Coulston. His parents had journeyed west from Oklahoma in search of a better life—and when Dale arrived, he became their heart.
Dale was raised in Bakersfield, California. His dad worked for the Forest Service and an irrigation district, so the love of water and nature came at an early age. He often would share stories about his grandpa taking him fishing on the irrigation canal. Dale was raised as an only child, as he had a brother, Wayne, who passed away ten years before Dale was born. So when Dale was born, he was so loved by Arthur and Bessie. He was their pride and joy.
Dale proudly served in the Marine Reserves for four years and went on to earn a degree in Environmental Science from San Jose State. He built a distinguished 30+ year career at Baker Peterolite Chemical, followed by five more years with United Phosphorus Inc., retiring at age 69. He left behind a legacy of hard work, friendship, humor, and heart.
In 1977, Dale was transferred to Montana for work with Baker Performance Chemical, and that is where he found his love for the mountains, love of snow skiing, and where he would meet his future wife on a ski hill at Red Lodge, Montana.
In 1979, Dale married the love of his life, Teresa Carpenter (Visser). From the moment he saw her, he knew she was the one. Within six months, he convinced her to leave the wide-open skies of Montana and begin their life together in Idaho. They moved to Meridian, Idaho, where they lived for 12 years. After 12 years, they moved to Kuna, Idaho, where they built a home on a small acreage, which Dale loved to call his “mini casa.” In their 46 years of marriage, they raised two sons—Jeff, born July 31, 1982, and Patrick, born September 19, 1984. Being their father was one of his greatest joys. He wore that title with pride—at every game, on every trip, and in every lesson he passed down.
Dale’s passions in life were many. He loved listening to music, loving his family and friends, his guns, and he loved his country.
Dale was the kind of dad who showed up. He was there on the sidelines, in the stands, and at every milestone. He was very proud of his two boys, and especially proud of Jeff’s years playing football at Boise State—traveling to games with some of his best friends, cheering on the Broncos, and watching Jeff score touchdowns in big games were some of his favorite times.
Whether it was camping, hunting, fishing, or simply sitting around a fire telling stories, Dale found joy in nature and passed that joy on to his sons and eventually to his grandkids, JJ and Sunny. He was the kind of grandfather who made ordinary moments funny and unforgettable adventures for his family.
He loved traveling and saw many different new places. He traveled to numerous countries with work through the years. During his travels he visited Australia, Germany, Sudan, Egypt, Canada, and Holland. His travels with family included Jamaica, Mexico, and a lot of beautiful states and parks within the United States.
He loved spending time with his wife, sharing a great love and friendship with her. The song “You Had Me from Hello” by Kenny Chesney always had special meaning between them. Our life was blessed with friends and family, and our marriage was a gift from God.
Dale never met a stranger. With a kind soul and a warm heart, he had a rare gift—the ability to make anyone feel at ease, welcome, and like an old friend. Whether you had just met him or known him for years, Dale had a way of making you feel like you belonged. He was the heart and head of the family—the calm to the storm and our steady compass. Dale will be forever loved, forever cherished, and forever missed.
Dale is survived by his wife Teresa; sons Jeff (Katie) Carpenter of Boise, Idaho, and Patrick (Makenzie) Carpenter of Oahu, Hawaii; and his two grandchildren, JJ and Sunny Carpenter. Sister-in-laws: Denise Conover and Deann Downs Visser. Nieces and nephews: Chad (Jill) and family, Craig Conover, Kendra Eaton (Matt) and family, Brooke (Jordan) Gierke, Sara Murgel (Justin) and family, and Brandon Visser.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Bessie; his brother Wayne; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jim and Barbara Visser; and brothers-in-law Jim Visser, Michael Visser, and Bret Conover.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Rest in peace, Dale. Forever in our hearts.
The family would like to thank White Oak Hospice nurses—especially Christine—for their care of Dale during his illness. He loved giving them all a hard time when they visited, even though he became very fond of them.
Please join our family in celebrating his life at Kuna Lutheran Church, 128 Porter St., Kuna, Idaho, at 3:00 p.m. on June 20th, 2025. We would love to hear you share stories and your fond memories of Dale’s life with all of us. There will be a meal served after the service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.