Colyn Carter
Colyn Edward Carter, age 89 years and 7 months, passed away into his heavenly home with the LORD on April 14, 2026. He was born on September 9, 1936, in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where he was raised and spent most of his adult life until the last 9 years he lived in Arizona with his daughter Jodi and family.
Colyn was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Hoven Carter (2017), and his son, Scott Alan Carter (1983).
He is survived by his daughter, Jodi Carter McKeever, and her husband, Brent McKeever; his three grandchildren, Megan McKeever Baldwin (David Baldwin), Molly McKeever White (Jordan White), and Scott D. McKeever (Leah D. McKeever); and nine great-grandchildren, Nathan, Emma, and Carley Baldwin; Oliver, Chloe, and Lucy White; and Jacky, Gianna, and Henry McKeever. He is also survived by many beloved Carter nieces and nephews.
The youngest child of six Carter children, Colyn came from a proud legacy of pioneer families. Both his father Frank’s family, the Carters, and his mother Alida’s family, the Cooks, were among the earliest settlers in the area in the 1880s, and his father served as a Vilas County Judge for over 40 years.
Colyn dedicated more than 50 years of his life to serving his community as an attorney at law in Eagle River. He pursued his education at Carroll College in Milwaukee on a football scholarship before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his law degree.
In the summer of 1958, Colyn met the love of his life, Mary, while she was waitressing at Eagle Waters Resort. They were married that Christmas in her hometown of Superior, Wisconsin. After completing their studies, they returned to Eagle River, where they built their home, his law practice, and a life centered on family and community.
As a young man, Colyn was an avid athlete and sportsman. He worked as a lifeguard at Silver Beach and played running back for Eagle River High School, famously scoring six touchdowns in a single game against Birnamwood. He also played basketball and later enjoyed pitching softball and bowling in local leagues.
Colyn’s love for the outdoors and for people defined his life. He cherished time spent hunting deer and partridge, cross-country skiing, canoeing, jogging, golfing, and hiking the Northwoods. He built a hunting cabin on the Wisconsin River alongside lifelong friends, including Tom Gaffney and Tom McKale. For years, he enjoyed weekly golf outings with a special foursome at the Eagle River Country Club.
In later years, Colyn was an active member of the Toastmasters and Easy Eagles Club and found great joy in music. Inspired by his sister Merilyn, he loved to sing and performed for many years in his church quintet and with the Vacationland Voices
summer concert choir.
Above all, Colyn was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always present for his children, “Buddy” and Jodi, and brought endless joy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren through card games, laughter, jokes, and warm hugs. His love of family was the cornerstone of his life.
