Joel R. Carter, age 66, of Hudsonville, passed away peacefully at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, after a courageous battle with the effects of leukemia. He enjoyed University of Michigan football, travelling with his wife, many meaningful conversations with his son, playing with his grandchildren, writing, and music. Joel was preceded in death by his father, Albert J. Carter and his brother, Stephen R. Carter. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Judy; mother, Lois M. Carter; son, Stephen (Sarah) Carter; stepchildren, Kate Calderwood, Jeffrey (Sashi) Dekkinga; grandchildren, Emerson and Mercy Carter; Ella, Will, Noah, and Netsanet Calderwood; Lana Dekkinga; sister, Sharon (Richard) Algera; mother-in-law, Marilyn Weinke; sisters-in-law, Judy (Jay) Bussa, Susan (Bryan Newpher) Weinke. Joel will also be missed by several nieces and nephews, including his namesake, Joel (Kim) Carter and their daughter, Shelby.  In honor of Joel, a memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Relatives and friends may meet the family prior to the service on Monday, May 13, from 11-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lacks Cancer Center (c/o Saint Mary’s Foundation) or Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.