Clair L. Rederstorf

10/23/1930 - 02/17/2026

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Clair Laverne Rederstorf, age 95, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Muskegon at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 23, 1930 in Muskegon, Michigan to Ural and Beulah (Whitney) Rederstorf.
After he graduated from Muskegon High School, he attended Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University before being drafted in the U.S. Army. Clair served as a combat veteran in the Korean War 1952-53 achieving the rank of Master Sergeant in the Second Division, 9th Infantry Regiment, US Army. Clair worked at Lakey Foundry and CWC-Textron as Human Resources until his retirement.
On December 2, 1955, he married Rita Jeanne Kuharevicz in Muskegon, MI. They shared decades of friendship and laughter with the many couples they socialized with over the years. In his younger days, Clair was an avid athlete – playing racquetball, basketball, football, baseball, and swimming. At the age of 35, he decided to take up the sport of golf. He became a very skilled golfer and during his golfing career, between the ages of 70-82, he managed to shoot his age or better. Clair had many holes-in-one during his golf career including a hole-in-one during his last round of golf!
Clair was a familiar face at many Muskegon social clubs, including the American Legion, the Muskegon Eagles, the Muskegon Lakeside Vets Club, the Mona Lake Boat Club, the Muskegon Polish Falcons, the Muskegon Polish Roman Catholic Union, the Muskegon Vikings Linne Lodge #57, Lincoln Golf Club, and Pontaluna (Muskegon Elks) Golf Club. If he wasn't seen at any of these places, he could often be found enjoying a meal at The Station Grill, one of his longtime favorites. He was known for his dry sense of humor. He loved chicken wings, beer, and Mr. Scribbs Pizza. Clair's love and generosity will forever be cherished by all who knew him.
Clair is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Rita (Kuharevicz) Rederstorf; son, Michael (Lori) Rederstorf; daughter, Laurie (Bill) Oosting; grandchildren, Jason Rederstorf, Christopher Rederstorf, Katelyn Rederstorf, Michael (Amelia) Burch, Andrew Burch, Robert Burch; and two great-grandchildren, Daren Rederstorf and Daniel Burch. Clair was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene (Alice Schultz); half-brothers, Raymond (Joanne) Hall and Fred (Jeanne Irving) Hall; and daughter, Katherine.
Military Honors will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, February 27, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life until 3:00 PM at the Muskegon Vikings Linne Lodge #57, 3132 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441. Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice (www.harborhospicemi.org) or for the treatment of hearing loss at The Muskegon VA Clinic, 2734 E. Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com