John Edward "Jack" Carpenter

John Edward "Jack" Carpenter, 84, of DeKalb died Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Kishwaukee Hospital surrounded by his family.  He was born August 11, 1933 in LaCrosse, WI and was the son of Walter R. and Eleanor (Lepsch) Carpenter.

Jack graduated from DeKalb High School in 1951, where he was the lead scorer on the basketball team and voted Most Valuable Player. Jack earned a scholarship to play basketball for Oklahoma State University. After two years, he transferred to Loyola University, where he again was the basketball team's lead scorer and MVP. Jack graduated from Loyola with a business degree in 1956. On December 6, 2006 Jack was named into the Loyola University 1950s All-Decade Basketball Team. Jack served in the United States Army, earning the rank of Captain.

Jack was married to Mary Ellen "Kinny" Lowry on January 31, 1959 at St Ignatius in Chicago, IL, who preceded him in death on January 26, 1989. Jack then married Dorothy L. "Dottie" (Troup) Dulin on January 6, 1990 at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb. Jack was the owner and operator of Service Gas, Inc, and a founding partner of The Lincoln Center/The Bottle Stores and Molly's Eatery & Drinkery. Throughout his life Jack participated in a variety of successful business and commercial real estate ventures.

Jack was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church and attended St Mary Catholic School in DeKalb. He was a former member of the DeKalb Elks Lodge and a current member of the Loyola University Alumni Association.   Jack's passion was playing golf; he was a long-time member of Kishwaukee Country Club, serving as President in 1970. Jack was a loyal supporter of all his grandchildren's sports and extracurricular activities and a devoted NIU athletics fan and contributor for over 60 years. He served on the Board of Directors at American National Bank for more than 30 years.

Jack is survived by: his wife, Dottie; his four children, Mark (Cori Trolinger) of Dekalb; Chris (Jenna) of Sycamore; Mike (Kristin) of DeKalb; Molly (Todd) Green of DeKalb, his ten grandchildren; Jake, Brad, Josie, Mary Ellen, Ella, Emma, Anna, Walter, Jack and Ava; Dottie's four children, Kathy (Tom) Kuschman of Sycamore; Colleen (Mark) Schloemann of Herrin, IL; Karyn Dulin of DeKalb; Mike (Denise) Dulin of Barrington, IL, his nine step grandchildren; Max, Greta, Haley, Natalie, Joe, Hannah, Charlie, Abby  and Oliver; his five step great grandchildren; his sister, Carol Robinson of Morris, IL and his nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Ellen "Kinny" and sister, Joan M. Christensen.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb. Burial will be immediately following the service at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 4:00pm-8:00pm with a wake service at 7:30pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.