Tyler Joseph Carpenter, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. He was born on December 26, 1990, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from Union High School in 2009. Tyler played high school football and semi-pro football on leagues in Grand Rapids. 

Tyler was a kind, loving, gentle soul with a heart big enough for everyone. He was a protector, a helper, and someone who always put others before himself. No matter what was happening in his own life, Tyler made sure the people around him were okay before he ever worried about himself.

Tyler had an infectious smile and laugh and a way of making everyone feel welcome. He had so many friends because he never made anyone feel like an outsider. To Tyler, friendship wasn’t about how often you talked or how long it had been since you had seen each other. If you were his friend, you were his friend—period. You could go months or even years without speaking, and when you reconnected, it was as though no time had passed.

Tyler was the kind of friend who showed up. No matter the circumstances, he was there when someone needed him. Whether someone needed help, a listening ear, a laugh, or simply someone beside them, Tyler could be counted on. He welcomed people into his life and made them feel like they belonged. Many of his friendships became like family, and he loved his friends and their families deeply.

Tyler was a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his mother, Jodi Carpenter; his father, Dean Carpenter; his brother and sister-in-law, Chaz and Eboney Carpenter (and their children, Kairhe and Chaz II); sister and brother-in-law, Kyleigh and Andrew Miller (and their children, Kinsleigh, Colt, and Barrett).

He was deeply loved by his grandparents, Don and Pat Robrahn, and Joe Carpenter, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A very special place in Tyler’s heart belonged to Tatyana Kakosso and her son, Isaiah. Tyler shared a beautiful bond with Isaiah, who looked at Tyler as a father figure. Tyler gave Isaiah love, protection, support, and a sense of family that will remain with him always.

Tyler loved sports, especially the Tennessee Titans, Ohio State football, and Detroit Tigers. He also enjoyed hunting and golfing, and he loved drawing as a hobby.

But those who knew Tyler will remember him for far more than the things he enjoyed. They will remember his gentle heart, his loyalty, his sense of fun, his infectious laugh, and the way he always put others first. They will remember that Tyler was someone they could count on—someone who would show up, protect the people he loved, and make sure everyone else was taken care of.

To his family, Tyler was so much more than a son, brother, uncle, and grandson. To his friends, he was so much more than a friend. He was someone who made people feel seen, welcomed, protected, and loved.

His life was far too short, but the love he gave was enormous. His family and the many friends who loved him will carry his memory, his laughter, his kindness, and his love with them always.

Tyler will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

 A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at Rest Lawn Memorial Park, 3450 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508.