Memorials
Craig L. Carpenter of Newaygo, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025. He was surrounded by family, with the Red Wings leading the Panthers 2-1. He was 84. Craig was born to June and Grant Carpenter in 1940. He met his forever dance partner Judy Van Dyken at junior college. They were married for 64 years, raising three wonderful children (if they do say so themselves). He devoted his life to deaf education, first as a teacher, then as Supervisor of the Grand Rapids Oral Deaf Program, and finally as coordinator of the Deaf Education Program at Grand Valley State University. He authored multiple books related to language and reading development for hearing impaired students. He earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State and his doctorate in education from the University of Michigan. Craig had many interests, dabbling as an amateur painter, poet and pianist. He filled his retirement with travel, computer games, trips to the casino, cheering on the Red Wings, and watching the birds from his porch overlooking Brooks Lake. He was a loving dad to Teri Mulder (Mike), Todd, and Traci (John Grecco); grandpa to Jennifer Carpenter (JJ Dawson), Katelyn Leiterman (Drew), Mitch Mulder (Chelsea Freshwater), Robby Woonacott Jr. (Desiree Werner), and Jaclin Carpenter (Caleb Day); brother-in-law to Karen Pullen, Marcia Cross (Robert), and Donna Carpenter; and great grandpa and uncle to many. He is preceded in death by his mom and dad, sister Pam, brother Grant, and brothers- and sisters-in-law Richard and Linda Van Dyken, Virginia Farmer, and Dave Pullen. In accordance with Craig's wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grand Rapids Oral Deaf PTO, 4300 Costa Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525; grandrapidsoraldeaf.org.
