Ross Edward Carter, Ph. D

Ross E. Carter, Ph.D., passed away unexpectedly from complications of influenza at home on March 13, 2019.

He had retired from 34 years on the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine faculty, where he saw patients, taught psychiatric residents, and did research.  Ross also developed and was administrator of The Family Center, a clinic at Columbia Hospital, where families and couples were treated.

Ross volunteered to serve two years as a medic in the army.  He worked on the Neurological Unit at Letterman General Hospital in California, a military hospital attending to the needs of those who served.

His education included Fullerton Junior College in California (Associate’s Degree), San Jose State University in California (Bachelor of Arts), and Michigan State University (Master of Arts in General Psychology; Doctor of Philosophy in Personality and Social Psychology). His post-doctorate in Clinical Psychology was obtained at University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Department of Psychiatry.  He ended his career with a current Clinical Associate Professorship at the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.

Since his retirement in 2011, he spent most of his time with his wife and family. He traveled in the United States and abroad with Charlene and enjoyed yearly vacation near Hayward, WI, with Charlene, Laura, and Angelina.  Ross was an avid reader of books on politics and the Constitution as well as American history and world wars.  He was very active in Liberal politics.

Ross had an extensive workshop he used to expertly maintain his 88 year-old home and craft wood.  His latest passion was oil painting, and he loved a day-long art class, which he attended weekly.  He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church-West, of Brookfield, where he enjoyed the services and fellowship.

Ross was a dynamic, joyful man who enjoyed, related to, and was genuinely curious about people of all walks of life.  He was stubborn in the most endearing of ways, determined, generous, and strong-willed.  He had tremendous empathy for others.  One would think he wasn’t afraid of anything, and he took on everything from household projects to illness with strength, dignity, and persistence, and without complaint.  He had an offbeat sense of humor and an infectious laugh, with mischief and twinkle in his eyes.  He was comfortable discussing his feelings and listening to those of others, even if they were difficult.  He was an exceptional communicator.  One could be certain that he was always available to talk, and he was known for imparting wisdom, often with humor that lightened the mood.  He was able to find the positive in almost anything.  It was a rare individual whom he could not make smile or laugh.  The power of the smartphone was unknown to him, allowing him to be present with others and encouraging others to do the same.  He valued human interaction, hard work, humor, knowledge, devotion to causes, and ethical behavior.

Ross was happiest holding hands with Charlene while watching the news, which they did every night.

Beloved husband of Charlene (nee Hampton). Devoted father to Laura and Paul, and loving grandfather to Angelina. Loyal brother-in-law to Brian and Tourya Hampton, and committed uncle to nieces Jennifer Smith, Tiffany DelaCruz, and Ashley Smith. Survived by other cherished friends and relatives.

Visitation on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Service on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Unitarian Universalist Church-West, 13001 West North Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin at 10:00 AM. Immediately followed by entombment at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at donate.themmrf.org.