Michael Carpenter

Michael Eugene "Mike" Carpenter, 64, Rockford, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan following a short illness. He was born September 8, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Arthur E. Carpenter and Mary P. Stephens. Mike worked as a header operator for Cam Car Corporation for 36 years retiring in 2005. He was a kind and gentle man. He was known as "Uncle Mike" by all who knew him.
Survived by his brothers and sisters; Annie (Lee) Russom of Knobel, Arkansas, Edie Blanton of Rockford, Karen (Jack) Frankovitch of Newport Richey, Florida, Jesse George Stephens of Rockford, and Brenda (Russ) Anders of Corning, Arkansas; his aunt, Carmen Cruz of Rockford, many nieces and nephews; his girlfriend, Mary Lockheart and his very special friends, the entire Mattis family. Predeceased by his parents; his brother, Russell Stephens; his longtime friend, Darrell Mattis.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Reverend David McDaniel of Kishwaukee Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, and from 10:00 am until time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.