Joseph W. Carpen

Joseph W. Carpen, age 94, of Hammond, IN, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Born and raised in the Region, Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. He enjoyed a long and dedicated career, working at Union Carbide for 6 years, Lever Brothers for 31 years, and Custom Data Services for 21 years.

While working at Lever Brothers, Joseph met the love of his life, Vera. They shared 32 wonderful years of marriage until her passing. Later in life, the Lord blessed him with June, his dearest companion, with whom he shared many loving years of companionship and care.

Joseph was a devoted family man who cherished his two children, Christopher and Clarissa, above all else. He was an avid Chicago sports fan, proudly supporting the White Sox, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks. He bowled twice a week, enjoyed golfing with friends, and took great pride in his garden.

He was a longtime member of the Lever Brothers Retiree Club and the American Slovak Club of Whiting.

Joseph is survived by his devoted children, Christopher (Donna) Carpen and Clarissa; his precious grandsons, Christopher (Emily), Sean (Rachel), and Timothy (Savanna); his precious granddaughter, Lexi; treasured great-grandchildren, Connor, Olivia, and James; cherished sister in-law, Geraldine; his loving sisters, Paula and Barbara; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Barbara; his stepfather, Paul Hoaglelt; his beloved wife, Vera; and his dearest-dearest, June.

Joseph wished for the following message to be shared:

“I cannot give enough love, appreciation and thanks my son Chris and his wife Donna for watching over me and caring for me in my last days. They made sure I had groceries, bottled water and health drinks. I cannot give enough love and Thank Yous to Marty and June Michele for all the help and caring over me that they did in my last days. They cut and trimmed my lawn for me in the summer months and shoveled and kept clean my sidewalk and driveway of snow and ice in the winter. Thanks to all, love you all, that was part of my life that the good lord gave to me for so many years.”

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Solan - Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave, Schererville, IN 46375. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026 directly at the funeral home, with Fr. Jeffrey D. Burton officiating. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

Joseph will be dearly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched.

Solan - Pruzin Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.