Robert Lee Carpenter

Robert Lee Carpenter, age 94, of Sandwich, Illinois, passed away on March 1, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born on November 2, 1931, in Dixon, Illinois, to Mildred and Lee Carpenter, Bob grew up with a deep curiosity and a strong sense of purpose. He attended Senn High School in Chicago and continued his education at Northwestern University, Wright Junior College, and the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the office of the Post Engineer.

In 1956, Bob married Quendred Wutzke on August 18 at the Congregational Church of Sandwich. Together they raised two sons, Christopher and Cheston. A dedicated community leader, Bob served as past president of the Rotary Club of Sandwich and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was elected to the Sandwich School Board, played a key role in the Association to Restore City Hall, chaired the building committee for the United Church of Sandwich, and served on the board of Hoover Boy Scout Camp.

Professionally, Bob was vice president of sales for Jones & Brown Corporation of Addison, where he designed and managed numerous prominent structural steel and commercial projects, including the Standard Oil Building reclad, McCormick Place North Annex, Soldier Field Skyboxes, and the spires atop 225 West Wacker Drive. He contributed to many local landmarks such as Indian Springs Shopping Center, Arrowhead Clinic, Plano Molding, Impact Industries, WOW 7 Cinemas, Gjovik Auto Group, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and the Kendall County Courthouse, along with numerous private homes. He was remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to sustainability and accessibility in architecture, and his steadfast devotion to family and community.

Bob is survived by his wife, Quen Carpenter of Sandwich; sons Chris (Jennifer) Carpenter of Plano and Chet Carpenter of Sandwich; grandchildren Kate Carpenter (Clint Updike) of Sandwich and Sean (Alicia) Carpenter of Plano; and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James (Doris).