Timothy R. Achterhoff's Obituary
Tim signed off for the last time on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the age of 76. He was born on September 28, 1948 in Detroit to Rolland and Betty (Hunefeld) Achterhoff, who preceded him in death. Tim spent the majority of his life in the Muskegon area and, for the past 26 years, shared time in St. Petersburg, FL. Tim is survived by Mary Lou, his wife of 34 years, and two stepsons, David Geyer (Julie) of Gaylord, MI and Matthew Geyer (Bethany) of Harbor Springs, MI, and grandchildren Avery, Drew, Weston, and Whitley. Tim also leaves behind sister Carol Weber (Jim) of Kalamazoo, brother Dan Achterhoff (Bonnie Hendrick), and sister Ruth Achterhoff-Aust (Ric) of Muskegon. Tim enjoyed a long business career… spending 28 years with WMUS Radio and its associated stations: WJML Petoskey, KQDS Duluth, MN, and WPLY Plymouth, WI. Tim went from spinning records on the air, transitioning to sales and management, and ultimately becoming president of all four corporations in 1987. In early 1994, Tim left radio and joined RC Productions and RCP Marketing in Muskegon as VP… which turned into another career which spanned over 30 years. Tim’s voice has been heard on TV and radio ads for almost 60 years. Tim graduated from Muskegon High School and attended Muskegon Community College. He also served for six years with the U. S. Army Reserve’s 486th Engineering Company in Muskegon. Always very involved with the community, Tim served as president of the Muskegon County Unit of the American Cancer Society, the Foundation for Muskegon Community College, and Muskegon Summer Celebration. He also served on the board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for a number of years. He served on the Communications Committee of United Way of Muskegon and hosted a monthly program on cable TV called “United Way Today”. Tim was an Old Newsie for over 30 years. He also did fundraising for the Muskegon Rescue Mission, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Tim was a member of the Muskegon Rotary Club which recognized him as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1980, Tim was the recipient of the Greater Muskegon Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award. In the 90s, Tim received the MCC Distinguished Citizen Award and the Professionalism Award from the American Women in Radio and TV. Not a great golfer, but a frequent one, Tim was a member of Lincoln Golf Club for 40 years. Tim was also a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in North Muskegon, and St. John Vianney Catholic Church in St. Pete Beach, FL. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, October 11, 2024 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, with Rev. Godfrey Onyekwere presiding and assisted by Deacon James J. Schiltz. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, where a Scripture Service with a Time of Sharing will be held at 5:15 PM Thursday evening with Deacon James J. Schiltz presiding. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to United Way of the Lakeshore. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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