Michael D. Carpenter, 63, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on June 28, 2026 after a brief and courageous battle with glioblastoma. With his determination and humor, Michael had an unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.

On November 3, 1962, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael was born to Rex and Jonadyne Carpenter. After graduating from Grand Island Senior High School in 1981, he returned to Lincoln where, in 1985, he graduated from the University of Nebraska, with majors in business and psychology and English and sociology minors.

Michael loved creating connections and interacting with people.  He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen and valued. Whether connecting with an old friend or meeting someone for the first time, he could always find a connection and make a lasting impression. He noticed the little things others often overlooked and took genuine joy in celebrating the people he loved. He will be remembered for his generosity, thoughtful gifts, quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to bring energy to every room he entered.

Throughout his professional career, Michael used his creativity and his boundless energy.   Working with his father and brother, Todd, when they opened Carpenter Motors, combined his passion for cars and his penchant for sales.   While at the Lincoln Journal Star, he managed circulation sales in neighborhoods where he had once delivered papers as a child, and later served as the marketing director.  During his time at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, he served in roles of vice president and marketing director.  He was marketing director for  Concord Enterprises.  His entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to own and operate Community Flowers & Gifts, the California Deli, and Libations, Too, an upscale martini and cigar bar that was a favorite gathering place for many.

Michael believed strongly in service to his community, a value learned from his parents, and he worked tirelessly to make his community a better place.  He generously volunteered his time and talents in numerous ways including the Lincoln Action Program, July Jam Street Festival, Haymarket Heydays, Fresh Start, the Nebraska Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and on the Nebraska Club Board. Michael treasured time with his family, his friends and his dogs—Spencer, Tiny Bentley, Charlie, Grey-C, and Ivy—who brought him immeasurable joy throughout the years.

Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Todd Carpenter, his father, Rex Carpenter, his grandmother, Audrey Carpenter, his grandparents, Geraldine & John Allen.

He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his favorite former wife and lifelong friend, Holly Carpenter; his mother, Jonadyne Carpenter; his siblings, Amie (Vic Rawl) Martinez and Scott (Theresa) Carpenter; his children, Haley (Rob) Bogdasarian, Alexis Carpenter, and Ethan (Teagan) Carpenter; and his treasured grandchildren, John Bogdasarian, Theodore Bogdasarian, Penelope Bogdasarian, Rex Carpenter, and Rylan Carpenter. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

Michael’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, laughter, generosity, and deep connection. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be profoundly missed, his spirit will continue to live on in the stories shared, the friendships he cultivated, and the family he loved so dearly.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 10th from 4-7pm at Wyuka Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 11am at Wyuka Funeral Home. A celebration of Michael’s life will follow at Brewskey’s Food & Spirits, 2840 S 70th Street, where those who knew and loved him are invited to attend.

Michael faced glioblastoma for the last six months and multiple sclerosis for nearly thirty years with the same courage, determination and spirit that defined his life. In honor of him and in the hope that one day others don’t experience either of these devastating diseases, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to either the Glioblastoma Research Organization or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.