Carter Gregory Waters, a senior at Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School, passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2026.

Carter was born on June 25, 2008, to Craig and Leah (Brush) Waters.

Carter was known for his sharp wit and colorful, unfiltered way of speaking. He said what was on his mind—often making people laugh, sometimes catching them off guard—but always being unapologetically himself. That honesty and authenticity made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

More than anything, Carter was his mom’s protector. He loved fiercely and stood up for the people he cared about without hesitation. That loyalty and strength defined who he was.

Carter’s life wasn’t without challenges. He had a difficult start, but he never stopped pushing forward and worked hard throughout high school. Carter had been accepted to UW–Stout and planned to attend this fall to pursue a degree in Computer Science, a reflection of his determination and the bright future he was building, something he and his family were incredibly proud of.

Carter enjoyed spending time playing online games with his friends, working out, and going on runs and walks. He loved his dog, Ava—whom he proudly named—and she brought him comfort and companionship.

He is survived by his parents, Craig and Leah Waters; his grandmothers, Betty Waters and Cindy Brush; his aunts and uncles, Jon and Trudi Beebe, Doug and Jen Kuehn, John and Kaara Freismuth, Codi and Autum Jacobs, Rick and Christina Kruckenberg,  Scott and Kim Radke, Travis and Paige Brush, Mike Smith, Caity and Elijah Ojika, and many cousins, including Kristen, Emma, Levi, Madison, Marina, Mercedes, McKenzie, McKinley, Miley, Britton, Aliah, Brooklyn, Boston, Easton, Megan, Abby, Hunter, Adalyn, Ace, Katie, Christa, Jameson, and their families. He is also survived by extended family, including great aunts and uncles.

Leah and Craig would like to thank Ary Johnson for the friendship, loyalty, and support she gave Carter.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Carol Brush, his grandfathers, Gregory Waters, James Brush, Larry Williams and a cousin Scott Brush.

Carter will be remembered for his honesty, his toughness, and the way he loved his people. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the strength he showed through it all.

Even in passing, Carter gave the ultimate gift—donating his eyes, tissue, heart valves, tendons and skin to help others live and heal. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and deeply appreciated by the family.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.