Carter James Podein's Obituary
Carter James Podein, age 3, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, January 18, 2013, after a lifetime fight with Tay-Sachs, at home surrounded by family. He was born December 17, 2009 to Tara Podein.
Carter was a very beautiful, strong, brave, happy, heroic little boy who loved snuggling, spending time with his family, camping, and eating cheese puffs.
He is survived by his mother, Tara Podein; his father, Juan “John” Alcala; Darius Huntington; sister, Allyana Alcala; grandparents, Kreg (Brenda) Podein; Chris (Dave) Podein; uncles, Nathan and Matthew Podein; Travis Pelton; Derek Huntington; Marcus Mitchell; aunt, Shaundra Mitchell; great–aunts and uncles Lester (Paula) Podein, Dennis (Sue) Podein, John Podein; cousins: Crystal and Ashley Podein; Godparents, Aleigha Brown and Willie Lee; God-Brother, Jaiden Lee; and many more cousins and friends.
Services for Carter will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 26, 2013 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Goers officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday and 6-9 PM Friday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Carter may be given to the National Tay-Sachs Association. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
What’s your fondest memory of Carter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carter?
Share a story where Carter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carter you’ll never forget.
How did Carter make you smile?

