Terrance Klump

Terrance (Terry) passed away on May 3rd, 2023, after a 17-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Terry was born in 1943 in Grosse Pointe Farms to Elmer and Mary Klump. He attended Whitmore Lake Public Schools his entire life and was President of the first ever graduating class from Whitmore Lake High School in 1961. 

After graduation, he attended Eastern Michigan University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History. Terry carried his love of history with him throughout his entire life, planning many family trips around historical sites in the US and abroad and watching the History Channel every chance he could.

Terry’s life can be summed up by one of his favorite sayings, “This ain’t no spectator sport!” Life is to be lived, full throttle, in family, work, and community.     

In terms of work, during his time at EMU, he enrolled in the ROTC program, which enabled him to graduate as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He then proudly served in Korea and at Sierra Army Depot in California where he advanced to the rank of Captain. Following his service, he returned to Whitmore Lake and became a service/sales representative. 

However, during this time, his passion for helping people drove him to pursue a degree in law. With a law degree, he felt that he could help people and his community receive the treatment and justice they deserved, no matter what their life circumstances or background. Determined to make that decision a reality, he worked full-time during the day to support his family while pursuing his law degree at the Detroit College of Law at night. He practiced law for 49 years.

As a person, Terry was a kind and generous man who was full of boundless energy.  He saw the good in everyone and felt compelled to serve the Whitmore Lake community that he treasured. He loved music and dancing and was always the first one out on the dance floor. Terry had an adventurous spirit and loved trying anything new and physically demanding, including participating in mini-triathlons and fun runs, scuba diving, water skiing, and playing on three hockey teams into his 70s.  To the amazement of his doctors, Terry continued to play hockey and water ski long after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Aside from his physical pursuits, Terry also loved Corvettes and traveling. One of his favorite pastimes was driving and refurbishing his 1964 little red Corvette named “Glory Days.”  His extensive travels with family and friends took him to all 50 states, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. But despite traveling the world, his favorite adventure was traveling to his property in the Upper Peninsula to hunt and explore what he called “God’s Country”. That was his “happy place”.

In spite of all of his life experiences, Terry’s greatest love was for his family.  He met his beloved wife, Sandi, on the waters of Whitmore Lake during the summer of 1961. They wed in 1966 and enjoyed 57 years together. Terry adored watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting and drama/vocal performances and never missed an event until Parkinson’s made it difficult for him to attend.

Terry was a devoted and loving husband to Sandi, father to Kris (Steve) and Kelly (Jim), and former son-in-law Gary, and grandfather to Evan, Alaina, Natalie, and Alex.

Terry leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as Steve’s children Jessica, Nicole, and Drew.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary Klump, his brother, Robert, his sisters Helen and Winifred, and his best friend, Vernie.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, from 4:00-8:00 at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, 7425 M-36, Hamburg, MI.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamburg, MI at 11:00, preceded by visitation from 10:00 until the time of the service.  There will be a luncheon following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Fund in honor of Terry Klump.  The Community Scholarship Program provides support to graduating seniors in the Whitmore Lake School District to pursue post-graduation plans.  The family plans to develop a memorial scholarship in Terry’s name to support the community and students that Terry loved.

Donations may be made online at www.wlcommunityscholarship.org or sent to Whitmore Lake High School, Attn: Community Scholarship Fund, 7430 Whitmore Lake Road, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189. Please note “in honor of Terry Klump” on any checks sent.

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