Timothy Klein

Timothy Robert Klein, age 76, passed away on February 5, 2026. Tim's life was defined by connection – his greatest purpose was building meaningful relationships with people. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, athlete and most knew him as "Coach". Above all, he was a proud father and grandfather, finding his greatest joy in his family.

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Kateri; his three children, Derek (Irma Colunga), Kyle (Sarah), and Kateri (Andrew) Schutt; and his "Great Eight" beloved grandchildren – Caroline, Carson, Michael, Alex, Allison, Anna Jane, Claire, and Gretchen – who were a constant source of pride and happiness. He is also survived by his sisters, Christine (Jim) Vella and Phyllis (Jim) Okun, as well as numerous sisters – and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Tim was an accomplished athlete from a young age, he was an All-State performer in football, basketball, and baseball at Niles High School. He went on to play football and baseball at Western Michigan University, where his passion for sports deepened and naturally led him into a lifelong career in education and coaching at Portage Central High School, Frankfort High School, and Roscommon High School. Over the course of his career, Tim coached baseball, basketball, football, skiing, tennis, and track & field.

Over the course of his coaching journey, Tim was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame for both football and baseball. Highlights of Tim's coaching career included having his daughter in track and advancing to the football state championship game five times including winning twice while coaching his boys.

He developed many close relationships with colleagues around the State of Michigan. It led to him continuing coaching football in his retirement at Saginaw Heritage, Elk Rapids, and Onekama. Tim always loved spending time with former students and players, reliving memories and sharing stories from years past.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bette Klein, his daughter-in-law Christina Klein, and nephews Christopher Houk and Scott Lagoni. His family will remember him for his huge smile and his gift of storytelling. His life was filled with love, laughter, football, golf, and memorable travels, especially cherished trips to Hawaii, Florida, Orange Beach, and Dallas. No one was ever a stranger to Tim.

In Memoriam, donations may be made to Lockhart Field by making checks payable to City of Frankfort, PO Box 351, Frankfort MI 49635, designate Lockhart Field – in memory of Tim Klein. There will be a celebration of life in Frankfort on June 27th. The place and time will be determined at a later date. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Timothy, please visit our Tree Store.