ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jul. 28, 2026) – The Lakeshore’s longest-serving chief municipal operating officer has died.
City of Zeeland officials announced on Monday afternoon the passing of City Manager Tim Klunder, who lost his battle with melanoma earlier in the morning. The 57-year-old executive had been battling the disease for five years, and twice went on medical leave as a result, the most recent absence coming six weeks ago, with assistant Kevin Plockmeyer named Interim City Manager. His death came 19 days after the city held a celebration in his honor.
Mr. Klunder came from the Detroit suburb of Algonac in 2002 to become Zeeland’s third-ever city manager at the age of 32. It was a return to his West Michigan roots, as he grew up in Byron Center and received degrees from Grand Valley State and Western Michigan University.
A celebration of life for Mr. Klunder is slated for 1 PM on Friday at Faith Church (220 W. Central Ave.), with visitation from 5-8 PM the evening before in the Hoogland Room of the Howard Miller Community Center (14 S. Church St.). Arrangements are being made through the Yntema Funeral Home.
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