Kenneth S. Carpenter

Kenneth Stephen Carpenter was born June 3, 1924 in Crookston, Minnesota to Harry Lane and Mable (Remington) Carpenter. Following his graduation from Crookston High School in 1942, Kenneth attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1946 with a degree in Social Work. He returned to Crookston and worked for the Polk County Welfare Board. In 1950, Kenneth received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. He then served for ten years with the Minnesota Youth Commission in Red Wing as Director of the Diagnostic/ Reception Center. In 1960, Kenneth moved to Washington, DC where he joined the staff of the Children's Bureau of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Juvenile Delinquency Division. In 1971, he moved to the United States Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Administration, later joining the Department's National Institute of Corrections. Here he served as the Technical Assistance Manager of the Community Corrections Division, retiring at the age of 80. Mr. Carpenter was active in many social work organizations. He was a charter member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). He was active in the Metro Chapter of NASW, which awarded him their Lifetime Achievement award in 1996. In 1998, he was named a Social Work Pioneer by the NASW. Kenneth was also active in the International Council on Social Welfare. He attended many of the organization's conferences throughout the world, often participating as a speaker and workshop leader. He also served as a member of the United States delegation of the International Council. Mr. Carpenter was active in Columbia University alumni activities, serving as President of the Washington, D.C. Chapter for several years. In 1976, he was awarded the Columbia University Alumni Federation Medal for Conspicuous Alumni Service. On May 20, 1961, Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Margery Peterson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were members of several art organizations and contributed to the permanent collections of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Rehoboth Art League. He was also a long-time member of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and the University Club in Washington, DC. Mr. Carpenter was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mable, wife Margery, and siblings: Dorothy, Cleron, Donald and William. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Robert L. Carpenter, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, beloved caregivers, and friends. Two services will be held for Kenneth. The first will be held Friday, June 22 at 1:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, immediately following the service. A memorial service will follow on July 8 at 11:30 AM at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC.