Cheryl L. Carpenter, 76

Cheryl L. Carpenter, 76, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, died Jan. 29, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in Lake Forest, Illinois, surrounded by family.

Cheryl was born June 7, 1948, in Stevens Point to Dwaine and Pearl (née Simons) Peterson. She grew up in the area and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School.

She was devoted to her family, always putting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren first. She welcomed friends, neighbors, and relatives with open arms and was known for her kindness. A relative, Sara Davis, described her as someone who made people understand what love truly was.

Cheryl enjoyed crafts and shopping, especially for Christmas. She loved to spoil her loved ones and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Carpenter Jr. (Martha); her daughter, Kellee Pautz (Craig); her grandchildren, Zachary Carpenter (Sarah Lowney), Jordan Carpenter (Josh Asaro), Simon De Los Rios (Allanis Muñoz), Morgan Carpenter (Tony Zappa), Daniela Hernandez (Alexander), Sheyann Carpenter, Connor Pautz (Sierra Sutt), Samuel Pautz, Hannah Pautz (Steven Sellig) and Corey Thompson (Emma); and great-grandchildren Charlee, Liliana and Baby Girl Hernandez, Cayden Thompson, and Emilee-Haven Pautz. She is also survived by her sister, Susie Clussman (Ed), and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne Carpenter Sr.; her daughter, Stacey Thompson; and her brother, Harry Peterson.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery. A gathering will be held in Amherst after the burial, with details provided at the service.