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Kirk N Carpenter

Apr. 26, 1960 - Feb. 15, 2026

Date of Service: Feb. 27, 2026

BURLEY – Kirk N Carpenter, 65, of Burley, passed away February 15, 2026, after a long battle with dementia.

Kirk was born April 26, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lloyd Harris “Harry” and Clyda Nielson Carpenter. He was the eldest of four children. At a young age, Kirk moved with his family to Burley, Idaho. He was a loving, protective older brother. His childhood was shaped by his love of sports and being outdoors.

Kirk graduated from Burley High School in 1978, where he excelled in athletics, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a natural born leader and served in various leadership roles throughout his school years. Kirk was a friend to everyone and was deeply respected and admired by his peers throughout his life.

After high school he served an honorable two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.

Kirk continued his education at Brigham Young University and graduated on April 19, 1985, with a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

On September 26, 1985, he was sealed to Debby Van Tassell for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with four children: Kolby, Kade, Kord, and Kaci. Kirk loved his family and fiercely supported his children in all their endeavors.

Kirk devoted countless hours to coaching youth sports, especially those that his children were involved in. He started coaching school sports when his daughter, Kaci, was in junior high. When she went to high school, he transitioned to coaching the Burley High School girls basketball team in various positions. He also coached the Burley High School tennis team. He used his coaching position to teach life lessons and went above and beyond for the kids he coached. His knowledge and love for basketball led him to referee high school and college basketball for many years.

Kirk was an owner of AgriSource and managed the business as president for over a decade. His leadership and integrity helped the company flourish, and he had a trusted reputation among farmers in the community.

Throughout his life, Kirk was actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. He found the most joy serving the youth as Young Men’s President and as a Bishop. He had faith in and loved our Savior, Jesus Christ and his Christ-like example of service exemplified that. Kirk was happiest when he was serving neighbors and friends. He instilled in his children the importance of service at a young age.

Beyond sports, his passions included hunting, fishing, and water skiing. He shared these passions with his children and grandchildren. He spent countless hours in a duck or goose blind with those he loved. Kirk loved his country and the American flag. He proudly hung a flag at the Star Church building every Sunday, no matter the weather conditions, until he no longer could.

Kirk adored his grandchildren. If he wasn’t on the ground playing with them, he was often seen carrying one of them on his shoulders.

He will be deeply missed but his legacy of service will live on.

He is survived by his wife, Debby; his children, Kolby (Caitlin), Kade, Kord (Stacie), and Kaci; his grandchildren, Koen, Kashton, Krew, and Kimber; his mother, Clyda Carpenter; and his siblings, Kyle (Laura) Carpenter, Krishna (Michael) Haynie and Keri (Blair) Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Harris “Harry” Carpenter and his still-born grandson, Kirk Bradley Carpenter.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House Charity of Idaho in his name.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 27, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Star 2nd Ward, located a 96 South 200 West, of Burley, with Bishop Jesse Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 26, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/_-Alh3RNbb0.

Condolences for Kirk N Carpenter

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Rebecca Harris:

There are not adequate words to express how much we loved and admired Kirk Carpenter. He was one of the most Christlike people I have ever known. His physical loss will be felt by all who knew him, but we are so grateful to know that he can finally feel joy again.

From L Yale and Jennifer Sager:

Sincere condolences to the Carpenter family at this sad time. I had the pleasure to serve as Kirk’s Young Men leader and we crossed paths many times through the years. I always remembered his infectious smile and pleasant demeanor no matter the situation. He blessed many lives and continues today to be a powerful influence on those blessed to have known him. We have lost a GREAT EXAMPLE of true compassion and love for one another.

From Leann Martineau:

What an amazing man heaven has gained. Kirk was a high school and church friend while growing up. Very few people can leave such a stamp on the heart and soul of longtime friends. Prayers for his family that no doubt have a huge void with his passing. I know he will be with them again-but while spending time here on earth he will be desperately missed, I’m sure. Prayers for your peace. Rest In Peace Kirk-keep raising that flag from heaven.

From Janie Harris Rutschke:

My heart aches at the loss of Kirk. He was not just one of the best, he was the best of the best. He was my classmate, friend, & such a kind & good man. May your family find comfort & peace, & feel the Savior’s arms around you.

From Roger Caresia:

Carpenter family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kirk was a wonderful person. I first met him as a great official, then when we coached together on the Burley Girls Basketball team. He was always supportive and great to work with. He will be missed, but he had great faith in Christ.

From Lucy Crane:

Debby, you and your whole family are in my prayers. I have always held Kirk in the highest regard going all the way back to high school. He has left an incredible legacy in our community. Sending you all much love.

From Blair Gochnour:

Thank you Kirk and Carpenter family for treating me like one of your own. I love you all, and I will always know that I am better for having Kirk in my life as a Young Men leader, a bishop, a boss, and most importantly a friend.

From Lesli Asson O’Neill:

Kirk and I have been friends since dirt was new, it seems! I knew him and his family my whole life growing up in Burley. He was my friend, classmate, and in a way, family member; I will always remember him as kind, peaceful, smiling and just the best person ever.

I know he is at peace now with the Lord, with body and mind made brand new in Christ. My heart aches for your loss, but I know we will all revel with Kirk again when we meet him in heaven. I pray for God to comfort you all during this very difficult time.

From Curtis & Carey Stoker:

I remember in high school how he was a friend to everyone. That is unique for a high school sports star. May the Carpenter family be blessed with comfort and peace in knowing he touched so many. May God bless you.

From Arlen and Judy Woodward:

Our hearts go out to you, Debby, and all of the Carpenter family. Kirk set a powerful example for his family and in his business dealings. Truly a man to look up to.

From Anthony Asson:

I remember going to watch him play his high school basketball games and he would always be in the warm-up, lay-up line with ankle weights on. I was so in awe of him and wanted to be like him. So, I would go home and practice basketball for hours (with ankle weights on). What a stud! What an inspiration! The world needs more of guys like him!!!!

From Wendy ( Asson) H.:

God bless you Kirk and your family!! We all love u guys!! May u rest in peace!

From Ruth Goicoechea:

Debbie and family I am so sorry for your loss and know the pain you are feeling.Kirk was a great person.Cliff so enjoyed all the hours of coaching he spent with him and the conversations they had about the sport of BB. May the wonderful memories you all have of him give you comfort. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.

From Le Rae Asson:

Clyda: He is your baby, and you will see Him again. God Bless you and all of your family. Love you.

From Rebecca Harris:

From Gordon Kerbs:

Carpenter family: so sorry for your loss. Kirk was a great man. I played high school sports with him, and although he's always been a gentleman, he was a fierce competitor. He was not only a very good player, but was a great teammate. He coached our tennis team at BHS and did an outstanding job. Although this is a huge loss, Kirk is in a great place. I know he's looking down at his family with pride and love. He's in a great place now. Kirk's legacy will carry on forever. Rest In Peace Kirk. You are missed and loved, but memories will last forever

From Kevin & Melissa Simmons:

Sending love to your family. Kirk lived an exemplary Christlike life. We are grateful to have known him. He always wore a smile and spoke kindly. What a great man!

From Jack Hill:

Dear Carpenter family, Kirk was a dear friend. He was always pleasant and kind. May the Lord assuage your grief and leave all the precious memories. Our faith and prayers are with you. Jack & Laura Hill

From Al and Kathy Barrus:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Debby and the family. Kirk was a great neighbor and friend.

From Jerry Honsinger:

Debby, Krishna, Kord and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Kirk was a great man. Always willing and happy to help out. I saw his natural connection to others while working with him. Thinking of you all!

From Carla Osborne :

So sorry to hear of Kirk’s passing. Ron and Carla Crane Osborne

From Ron Dietz :

Got to know Kirk while refereeing basketball around the Magic Valley. Kirk was a very outstanding person. He will be missed. Prayers to his family.

From Rick Asson:

My sincerest condolences to the Carpenter family. I am blessed to have grown up with the Carpenter Family in my life. You are truly my family, and Kirk will be greatly missed. You are in my prayers and wish you peace and comfort.

From Brianna Jones:

I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to coach tennis alongside Coach Carpenter. When I hear the phrase, "Salt of the Earth" I picture this man. He had a way of making you feel like you were so important and he had the ability to bring out the best in everyone. He taught so many life lessons to the kids we were coaching and what an example he was to them and me. My life is truly better for knowing him. I'll be praying for comfort during this time.

From Leslie Warwood :

God bless the Carpenter Family with peace, love and light at this tender to time.

From Leon Clegg:

Kirk was such a friend and mentor to me as a new basketball official. I so appreciated his knowledge and love of the game. He would critique me, but in such a positive way. I never knew him to raise his voice. We had a lot of fun doing games and traveleing around the valley. Later I got to work with him when he was in charge of the Burley West Stake fair booth. After that, he would call me for his food needs when special occasions arose in his ward. Such a kind and humble man. And such a superb athlete. He could do it all! My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the whole Carpenter family at this time. So grateful for the plan of Salvation.

From Ken, Billie Rae & Carrie:

Debbie & Family, Kirk was a very special person in our Star 2nd Ward family. We will really miss him there raising the flag. May you have peace & comfort in knowing he is watching over your family now & is at peace. He loves you all!

From Kiara Krear :

Carpenter family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kirk will be greatly missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

From James Berkeley &amy:

Kirk was my husband's Young Men leader, bishop and, at Agri Source, he was his boss. Kirk believed in service and going to do temple work with the adults and youth. He was a very special person and was a friend to all. He is greatly appreciated and he will missed.

From Janell Ahern:

Debbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish I was there to give you a hug! My prayers are with you.

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