Andrew Alt

On April 17, 1964, we were given a great gift; Andrew Alt was born as he lived, surrounded by loved ones and spreading joy to all of them. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI, where he spent most of his life. After graduating from Forest Hills Northern, he continued his voracious academic pursuits at Beloit College in Wisconsin and then at Indiana University, Bloomington. He also spent time in Israel, studying at the University of Tel-Aviv and immersing himself in the culture and language. Ultimately, he returned to Grand Rapids where he met his future wife Carolyn in the front yard of his house doing yard work, a passion that continued throughout his life. His green thumb was evident not only in that first house, but also in the stunning flower beds and vegetable garden of the home he created with his family: his wife and daughters, Millie and Evelyn. He spent his days caring not only for the yard outside the house but also the people inside it. His love of cooking turned the house’s kitchen into “Andy’s Place,” where any dish was a possibility, from a classic spaghetti to an extravagant lobster boil. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from that kitchen for nearly a decade. In addition to cooking and gardening, his love of words never waned, even after he completed his education in creative writing. From consuming to creating, he always had words at his fingertips. Many of his works were published throughout his life, from short stories to poems. One of his family’s favorite memories of Andrew is the many, many hours he spent reading the Harry Potter series to each of his daughters. His impressions and accents never failed to bring the iconic characters to life. His fondness for writing met his charismatic personality and genuine love of people in his work; he enjoyed freelancing as a publicist for over fifteen years. Andrew never shied away from a new interaction, be it helping a stranger on the street or welcoming a new face at Ada Congregational Church, the place of worship he attended with his family. He left a lasting legacy at Ada CC, growing and strengthening the church’s mission board and volunteering many hours of his time for both the church itself and the many organizations it supported. His legacy there and everywhere else his life touched will be as permanent as his memory in the hearts of those who loved him. He passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, in the home he created with his family, surrounded by his loved ones, after a long, valiant fight against cancer. He will be remembered as he lived: a strong, smart, loving man with a green thumb, a knack for dough and words, and room in his heart for everyone.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and their girls, Millie and Evvy, his mother and step-father, Mary and Charlie Sharow, his sisters Maggie (David) Harvey—and her children, Hannah and Jacob Kos—and Cary Sharrow, his father, Rob (Kieu) Alt, and his sisters, Emily (Ian) and Anna Alt. He was preceded in death by Milo (July 2024), his faithful companion for 16 years.

A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, September 14th at 12pm (noon) at Ada Congregational Church, in Ada, MI. Fellowship to follow. Consider a donation in Andrew’s name to New City Neighbors. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Alt, please visit our floral store.