Judy Carpenter

Judy Diane (Larson) Carpenter, 81, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on June 21, 2026 in the care of St. Croix Hospice at Accura Health Care Center in Le Mars.

A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2026 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Judy was born August 30, 1944, in Elkton, SD, to Harvey O. and Frances C. (Miller) Larson. As a teen, Judy was proudly crowned the local Harvest Queen in July 1959. She graduated from Elkton High School in 1962. Judy met her love Daniel J. Carpenter, at the Showboat Dance Hall in Lake Benton MN, proving that good things happen on dance floors. They married on January 11, 1964, and made their first home in Pipestone MN, before settling in Le Mars in 1966.

Judy worked at various retailers over the years, but found her true niche in interior design and sales at Miller Brothers Furniture. While she loved the work, she loved the new styles even more — so much so that it's been said she brought home more furniture than paychecks.

Judy's greatest love, without question, was her children: Lisa, Rick, Brandon, Paul, and Daniel. In the early years, her five kids kept her running, and with that many boys in sports, someone always seemed to be nursing an injury. Judy never missed a game, but she'd be the first to admit she didn't always watch. More than once she closed her eyes during the rough plays, unable to watch her boys get hurt.

As the children grew, Judy and her eldest, Lisa, became the best of friends. They spent countless afternoons over coffee, talking about life and sharing a deep, abiding love for children; a love that grew even larger as Lisa began fostering and adopting. Judy poured herself into those afternoons with Lisa and the kids; she knew every birthday, favorite toy and the small things that mattered to them.

Later in life, Judy finally carved out time for the things that fed her own spirit; drawing, coloring, and painting filled many quiet hours. And every fall Saturday, you knew exactly where to find her: in front of the TV, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes with the same loyalty she gave everything else she loved.

Judy is survived by her husband, Daniel, of Le Mars; four sons: Rick (Kim) of Marcus, Brandon (Gerrie Lynn) of Rockwell, Paul (Amy) of Ankeny, and Dan (Molly) of Le Mars; two sisters: Lois Wacha of Wahpeton, ND, and Wanda (Gene) Risch of Mesquite, NV; two brothers: Marlow (Linda) Larson of Victorville, CA, and David Larson of Flandreau, SD; along with 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law; seven brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; her beloved daughter, Lisa Marie; and one grandchild Karyn (Belk) Beall.