Obituary of Rusty Carpenter

Rusty Carpenter, 55, of Spanaway, WA, passed suddenly on May 6th, 2023. 

Rusty was born on September 5th, 1967 in Joliet, Illinois to Mary Jean Carpenter-Kathen (nee Krauss). After Rusty graduated from Joliet Catholic High in 1985, he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Germany and eventually stationed in Washington. During his stay in Germany he received the Schützenschur award, which is an award for proficiency in marksmanship. He proudly served for 4 years. He enjoyed competition shooting, bass and salmon fishing, and gardening with his partner, Jenelle.

He will always be remembered for his love of his children which he continuously fought for. 

Rusty is survived by his children Jared Carpenter, Kaleb Carpenter, and Kaitlyn Bates, his mother and step-father, Jeannie and Ernie Kathen, his sister, Heidi Stonitsch (Michael), his partner of 12 years, Jenelle Messner, and his niece and nephews, Cale, Kathen and Maddox Stonitsch. A memorial will be held at Hill Funeral Home, 217 E. Pioneer, Puyallup on Friday, May 12th at 3:00pm.