Theodore "Ted" Klemp III's Obituary
In search of winding roads, sandy beaches, and local watering holes, Ted caught the last train to his next destination on Sunday, January 13, 2019, at his home in Spring Lake.
Ted was born August 11, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan to Ted and Mary (Ouwerkerk) Klemp. He met Marcia Zuidema, the love of his life, in 1965, and they married on August 24, 1968, in Grand Haven. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage together on an Alaskan cruise.
Ted graduated from Michigan Tech in 1970 and then started his career as a metallurgist for Sealed Power and Cannon Muskegon. In 1992 he started a consulting company and distinguished himself as one of the most revered foundry metallurgists in the nation.
He loved spending time with his family and dogs. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, driving and customizing his numerous cars, and he was passionate about trains. Ted was most content spending sunny days in the surf along the shores of Lake Michigan with his favorite craft beer of the moment.
His memory will live on through his family, friends and countless contributions to the investment casting industry. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he has touched.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marcia Klemp of Spring Lake; daughter, Meagan (Michael) Gassmann of Norton Shores; two sons, Crispin (Michele Forster) Klemp of Grand Rapids, and Sander (Annie Fish) Klemp of Muskegon; two grandchildren, Teddy Gassmann and Tatum Klemp; “adoptive granddaughter” Taylor Brink; his sister, Mary (Michael) Klemp-Hintz of Minnesota; brother, Mark (Jan) Klemp of Laurium, MI; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette (DeVere) Boyd of Grand Haven and Claudia (Dan) Phipps of Grand Haven; his brother-in-law, John (Kathy) Zuidema of Grand Haven; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Mary (Ouwerkerk) Klemp, and his brother, Tom Klemp.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019, at First Congregational Church UCC, 1201 Jefferson Street, Muskegon, MI 49441 with Rev. Tim Vander Haar officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy are appreciated. The family is being served by Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The VanZantwick Chapel. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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