Timothy Justin Kleaveland
February 7, 1952 — February 23, 2025
Timothy Justin Kleaveland passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by family, singing "Amazing Grace." Born on February 7, 1952, in Stuttgart, Germany, Tim was the son of Dr Ingram Justin Kleaveland and Anne Rosemary Kleaveland (nee Stokes). He grew up in Muskegon, graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1970 before earning a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 1975. Later, Tim attended the Restaurant School of Philadelphia, graduating in 1983. For 31 years, Tim served as the Director of Food Service for Sparta Area Schools, and for 21 summers, he brought his talents to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, as their Food Service Director.
In 1987, He married Barbara Jeanne Hanley, becoming a devoted husband and stepfather to Gabriel and Christopher Guy. Together, Tim and Barb built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community-a perfect balance of Barb's outgoing spirit and Tim's quiet, steady presence.
Tim found joy in the wild beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, introduced to him by brothers Rev. Jack Lagoe and Jim Lagoe, who shared their cherished fishing spots with him. He treasured every moment spent hunting and fishing with his brothers and nephews at the Kleaveland family cabin, a place too special to name. Brook trout, ruffed grouse, and woodcock fueled his passion, as did the cherished moments spent hunting alongside his beloved Brittany Spaniels-Kasey, Mickey, and Abbey.
After hours of fishing for brook trout, Tim, with the help of his "least" favorite brother Michael, developed what has been christened the "Art of the Patio," post-fishing alongside the river-mosquitos permitting.
A man of quiet compassion and a sharp sense of humor, Tim had a gift for forging deep and lasting friendships. He loved their Moulton Avenue neighbors, who sought out Tim and Barb's company, especially on Friday afternoons, which the neighbors dubbed the "Happy Hour." Tim cherished visits from his great-nephew Cal Kleaveland and the daily visits with his father, stepmother, and siblings that lived nearby.
SURVIVORS
Tim is survived by his wife, Barbara; stepsons, Gabriel Smith and Christopher Guy Slater; stepmother, Kathleen Kleaveland; siblings: Patrick (Renee) Kleaveland, Andrew Kleaveland, Mary (Ken) Pituch, Michael (Sue) Kleaveland, and Elizabeth (Paul) Van Lieshout; numerous nieces and nephews: Ben (Anne) Kleaveland, Nina (Kenny) Bacow, Kira Kleaveland, Kate (Jeff Dzingle) Kleaveland, Patti (Pete) Castelli, Drew (Kim) Kleaveland, Tim (Eugenia) Pituch, Jeff (Emma) Pituch, Britton (Josie) Kleaveland, Tyler Kleaveland, Daly Kleaveland, Martha Van Lieshout, Emma (Mitch) Jones, Nick Van Lieshout; step-siblings: Debra Kendall, Steve (Chandra) Kendall, Julie (Chad) Dawson, Scott (Lyn) Kendall, Rob (Amy) Kendall, and Abbey, Tim's beloved Brittany.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Rosemary Kleaveland; siblings, Anne Kleaveland and Ellen Kleaveland; and sister-in-law, Susan Kleaveland.
VISITATION
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, from 4:00 pm, with rosary at 5:30 pm at Clock Funeral Home, 1469 Peck Street, Muskegon. A reception/wake immediately following at Clock Funeral Home Family Center.
FUNERAL MASS
Funeral Mass on Saturday, March1, 2025 at 11:00 am, with visitation an hour before, will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, N. Muskegon, MI. Luncheon immediately follows at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Every Woman's Place.
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