Gerard E. Klunder Jr.

Gerard (Jerry) E. Klunder, Jr., age 83, passed peacefully into heaven on June 16, 2020. Jerry was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Gerard and Leota Klunder. He is survived by his children, Robin (Michael) Nunn, Cheryl (Thomas) Powell, and Linda Klunder, grandchildren, Elisabeth (Randy) Karnowski, Matthew Nunn, David Nunn, Stephen (Kristina) Nunn, Daniel Nunn, Christina (Shawn) Meuser, and Michael Powell, as well as great-grandchildren, Lillian, Madalyn, Trey, Evelyn, Logan, Peyton, Isabella, Bowen, James, Parker, and Ivy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathryn Zolikoff, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Harry and Helen Johnson, sister, Betty (Klunder) Hovey, granddaughter, Leah, grandson, James, and his wife, Phyllis (Johnson) Klunder, to whom he was married for 56 years. Jerry attended Grand Rapids Central High School, Davenport College, and was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Throughout his life he pursued many interests, including singing in his church choir, playing guitar, and listening to classical, big band and gospel music. He was a lifelong University of Michigan fan, enjoyed athletics, and played organized softball until his mid-forties. A skilled photographer, he was diligent when it came to shooting photos of family, wildlife, and nature, including he and his wife's vegetable and flower gardens. He was an avid reader, and loved to study United States and world history, as well as the Bible. His family found him impossible to beat at Jeopardy - his favorite game show!  In his last few years of life, he began baking pies from scratch (some with fancy lattice work) to deliver to family and friends, earning him the nickname, "pie guy." He made family gatherings a priority where he would share his Christian faith, impart words of wisdom and entertain with his wonderful sense of humor. With courage and grace, he battled cancer for the past 18 months of his life, setting a great example for those he loved. His memorial service with military honors was held June 20 at Blythefield Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Faith Hospice. Special thanks to the Spectrum Health Neurology Dept., and Faith Hospice employees Mara, Sonya, Rob, and Cecilio for the care and encouragement you provided - we are truly grateful.   

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