Valjean Robert Carpenter

Valjean Carpenter, 85 of Bellevue, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bellevue.  He was born on November 21,1931 in Humboldt, Nebraska to Leroy and Elverta (Rockemann) Carpenter.

Valjean grew up on a farm close to Humboldt, Nebraska.

After high school Valjean joint the USAF, January 5, 1950.  His 33 years of military services was primarily spent in personnel.   He retired as a Chief Master Sargent on October 31, 1982.  Valjean and his wife, Alberta raised 10 children, six boys and four girls.  His military service took him to 44 states and 25 foreign in countries.

Valjean married Alberta Patricia Sunneberg on November 21, 1951 at St. Bridget Church, rural Axtell, Kansas.

 He received Outstanding Young Men of American in 1966, he was President of Carter Lake Jaycees in 1966. Iowa State Director 1967 (Jaycees)

Valjean enjoyed coaching baseball as his children were growing up. After the military career he enjoyed small farming and raising his horse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Elverta Carpenter, sister & brother-in-law , Donna & Richard Hill, brother Larry Carpenter, brother-in-laws, Orville Deeke, Larry Graham, Curtis Johnson, James Basino.

Survived by his his wife, Alberta of Bellevue, Ne, his children; Valerie (James) McDowell, Val (Diane) Carpenter, Rory (Mary) Carpenter, Carmel (Andy) Jones, Suzanne (James) Harper, Scott (Colleen) Carpenter, Linda (Luther) Jennings, Kevin (Rhonda) Carpenter, Alex (Melicca) Carpenter, Kerry Carpenter, 37 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, Valjean's brothers & sisters, Delores Johnson, Leland (Ruth) Carpenter,  Harlan (Ruth Ann) Carpenter, Patricia Basino, Dorothy Deeke, Hazel (Leroy) Bestwick, Robert (Lana) Carpenter and Barbara Carpenter, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at St.Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen.  Rosary: 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Visitation on Monday, September 25, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City.  Interment at St. Bridget Cemetery, rural Axtell, Kansas at 3:00 p.m. with full military rites provided by Offutt  AFB Honor Guard. Memorials to Wounded Warriors. Online condolences maybe left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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