Robert Klimp

Robert C. "Bob" Klimp, age 87, of Kalamazoo, MI peacefully went to heaven on Monday evening, September 25, 2017 after a long battle with heart failure. He was born on November 25, 1929 in Kalamazoo, MI a son of John and Madeline (Kloosterman) Klimp and was a lifelong area resident. Bob graduated from Calvin College and moved to California where he served 2 years in the United States Army. He returned to Michigan and began a career in accounting, retiring from The Kellogg Company after 29 years of service. Bob was a faithful lifelong member of Grace Christian Reformed Church where he served on the council. He also served on boards at Park Village Pines and the Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Bob enjoyed music and shared his baritone voice as a 25 year member of the Singing Crusaders Choir. As a lifetime avid golfer, Bob enthusiastically shared his skills and knowledge with all his children and grandchildren, and did so with a passion. More than anything, Bob was a family man who loved watching his grandchildren in sports, theater, and musical programs. He enjoyed family vacations and maintained a tradition of annual weeks at South Haven with his children and grandchildren. Bob's many friends meant the world to him. He and his loving wife, Rita, enjoyed spending time with their friends playing golf, meeting frequently for dinner, and traveling often throughout the years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Thomas Klimp and a sister, Lorraine Matteson. On October 10, 1959 Bob married the former Rita Plough, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Terri (Tom) Scheffers of Kalamazoo and Carla (Jim) VanDokkumburg of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Bryan (Michelle) Scheffers, Kristin (Carlos) Sustaita, Corey (Alyssa) Scheffers, Jameson VanDokkumburg and Elena VanDokkumburg; four great-grandchildren, Elliot Scheffers, Bennett Scheffers, Emi Kate Scheffers and Emery Sustaita; a sister-in-law, Marge Plough; and two nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29th from 6-8PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Services will be held 11:00 Saturday morning at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Road, with Pastor Greg Timmer officiating. Private burial services will be held in Genesee Prairie Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian School Association or to Park Village Pines.