Allan W. Carpenter

Allan W. Carpenter, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, February 5, 2008, at his home. He was born November 3, 1923, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Joseph and Florence (Wood) Carpenter, and he married the former Bette Jane Ridley on December 16, 1945, in Allegan County. Mr. Carpenter served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired as an administrator for General Telephone. He was a member of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church where he had previously served as elder and as a Sunday School teacher. He was also actively involved with the Friendship Ministry, the Tri-Cities Seniors group, and Meals on Wheels. Al was a member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28, and he enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, bicycling, antique cars, and woodworking. He was a member of the Vintage Antique Car Club in Holland and the GTE Retirees Club. He was also an enthusiastic Detroit Tigers fan. His other hobbies included gardening, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. Above all, Al was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Bette; two daughters, Jane (Bill) Sneeringer of Catonsville, Maryland, and Jewel (Dan) Brink of Newaygo; two sons, Joel (Janis) Carpenter of Grand Rapids and Jeffrey (Virginia) Carpenter of Palos Heights, IL; nine grandchildren: Sarah Canter, Marielle Weikel, Nathan Carpenter, Rebecca Carpenter, Andrew Carpenter, Kate VandenBrink, Aaron Carpenter, Luke Brink, and Emma Brink; one great-grandchild, Henry Carpenter; a sister, Ruth Fitzgerald of Coldwater, MI; a brother, Paul (Janet) Carpenter of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Eleanor and Mary Ellen. The service for Al will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church with Rev. James VanderMeiden and Rev. Drew Sweetman officiating. Friends may meet the family 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 8, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Interment will be in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Military rites will be provided under the auspices of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorial contributions to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, http://www.noch.org/hospice.html, or to Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church Youth Ministries are appreciated.