Theodore "Ted" Klemp, Jr.

Ted Klemp was a big, fun-loving man with a soft heart. He loved the water and sand dunes of West Michigan, mountains and music. Ted was always associated with fun, and he brightened the lives of everyone he knew. Despite his light-hearted attitude towards life, Ted was a very committed man and cared deeply for his friends and beloved family members. On March 30, 1923, Theodore Sr. and Hilda Schalk Klemp were blessed with the birth a healthy baby boy, whom they christened Theodore after his father. The fun-loving, mischievous boy seemed to be more of a "Ted" than a "Theodore," however, and he was known by the shorter version for his whole life. Ted grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, the youngest of five children. He was never bored with his three bothers, Jerry, Peter, and Joseph and sister, Pearl, around to play with. The Klemp children grew up on White Street, near the Vanderlaan School, and Theodore Sr. supported his family by working at Brunswick in the woodshop. As a teenager, Ted attended the local Muskegon High School. He was an accomplished athlete, and played on the Muskegon Big Reds 1941 state championship basketball team. He also won many state medals in high jumping and hurdling, and held local records for a number of years. His parents were very proud of Ted's accomplishments. While in high school, Ted started dating Corey Ouwerkerk, his future wife's sister. Ted and Mary would spend time talking in the Ouwerkerk kitchen and then Mary started writing to him when he went away to war. After graduating from high school, Ted went on to enroll in Muskegon Junior College. He maintained his athletic prowess in college, playing on their 1942 national championship basketball team. This was the era of World War II, however, and Ted felt called to serve his country by joining the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. He earned a bronze star in the course of his service, as well as a lifelong love of skiing and a loathing for bitter cold weather. Ted also became very close to his fellow soldiers, and made many lasting friendships. Discharged honorably from the service, Ted returned to his hometown and Mary Ouwerkerk. The young couple started dating and married in 1947. Over the years, Ted and Mary were blessed with the births of four beautiful children: Ted III, Mark, Thomas and Mary. Ted was a wonderful father, and loved spending time with his children. One of the many things he passed on to them was the love of skiing he had picked up while serving overseas. A devoted husband and a caring father, it was clear that Ted considered his family to be his first priority in life. He supported them by working at the Architectural Hardware Co., a business he owned jointly with his brother Peter. As a young man when he had free time, Ted liked to go to the Fruitport Pavilion to listen to the Big Bands that came through. Sometimes he and Mary would travel farther, taking the ferry to Milwaukee to hear the bands that played there. He loved all kinds of music, and was always open to new styles and genres. He also enjoyed spending time on the Keweenaw Peninsula; the area had special significance since all of his children eventually graduated from Michigan Technological University. Tragically, in early 1980 Mary suffered a heart attack, and passed away on September 7, 1980. Ted was heartbroken; the presence of his children helped him through this difficult time. Ted was still a relatively young man, however, and he was lucky enough to find someone else to share his life with. One day in 1982 when he was walking on the beach at Crystal Lake in Beulah, Michigan, he met Ann Merchberger. They started dating, and continued seeing each other for over ten years. Ann worked at several different jobs around the state and also attended college classes, so she and Ted could really only spend weekends together. Finally, on January 15, 1994, Ted and Ann were happy to invite friends and family to a wedding ceremony. Ted officially retired a few years later, and took advantage of his newfound leisure to spend time with his grandchildren. He loved to take them to the beach, go for rides in the "famous convertible," to buy candy or regale them with tales from his ski troops. Some of them lived in the Upper Peninsula and he would have to travel hundreds of miles to see them, but it was never too far for "Gramps." He still loved listening to music, too, and was a big supporter of his grandson Crispin's musical compositions and productions. Mr. Theodore Klemp, Jr. left to find the perfect beach on Thursday, April 12, 2007. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by those he leaves behind. Ted's family includes his wife, Ann; his children, Ted III (Marcia) of Spring Lake, Mark (Janice) of Laurim, MI, Thomas of Massena, NY, and Mary Klemp of Hudson, WI; ten grandchildren, Meagan, Crispin, Sander, Emily, Carson, Lieschen, Tyler, Ethan, Thomas, and Carolyn; his sister, Pearl Curtis of Fort Wayne, IN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; his parents; his sister, Eleanor; and his brothers, Jerry, Peter, and Joseph. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 16, 2007, 1:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church with, Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at First Congregational Church. To honor Ted's favorite colors, if you choose, please wear beiges and pastels. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Harbor Hospice. Please visit Ted's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.