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Tim Klunder
ZEELAND — Timothy R. Klunder, a former Scottville city manager who went on to serve more than two decades as Zeeland’s city manager, died Monday, July 27, at his home. He was 57.
Klunder began his municipal management career in Scottville during the mid-1990s, serving as the city’s top administrator in what was his first city manager position. He later served as city manager in Algonac before joining the City of Zeeland in 2002.
Earlier this month, Klunder was recognized by the City of Zeeland for 25 years of service as its city manager.
Born Feb. 19, 1969, in Grand Rapids, Klunder was raised in Byron Center. He graduated from Byron Center High School and later attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration.
Klunder and his wife, Kim, were married March 16, 1990. Before entering municipal government, he worked at Family Fare and later served as an assistant in the city manager’s office in Huber Heights, Ohio.
According to his obituary, Klunder’s Christian faith was central to his life. He and his family were longtime members of Faith Church in Zeeland. He was also an accomplished golfer, winning the Grand Valley Amateur Championship in 2008 with his son serving as his caddie. He was a member and past club champion at Macatawa Legends Golf Club.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kim; their four children and seven grandchildren; his parents, William “Butch” and Sandy Klunder; his brothers; and numerous extended family members.
A celebration of Klunder’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Faith Church, 220 W. Central Ave., Zeeland. Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S. Church St., Zeeland. Burial will follow at Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation or Faith Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Yntema Funeral Home of Zeeland.
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