Steve E. Klinge

“Big” Steve Klinge was born on March 2, 1951 on a cold and stormy winter day. He passed on May 9, 2022 on a beautiful Spring day. As with everything, Steve always wanted to have things be better than it was before him. He was born in Holland, Michigan to parents Mel and Jean where he spent many of his early years and eventually moved to the Farwell area where he married his high school sweet heart and raised his family. His early years were dominated by sports and motor cycles that led to him developing his reputation as being a tough guy and fearless. No matter his pursuit, he was always fully engaged and striving to be the best. If it was a card game, round of golf or on the softball field, he liked to win and knew how to do it. He won in life as well by starting at the bottom of Evart Products and over a distinguished career, reached an executive position within the company. He was a good father and raised three tremendous children that went on to have impactful lives. When he was playing men’s fast pitch softball, he was one of the toughest catchers you would ever see. He wore a glove and a face mask and nothing else. His athletic ability and quickness made additional equipment unnecessary and he was the anchor behind the plate. As an integral part of the team that won the Class A State Title, there was always a drive to win. After his personal career ended, he transitioned and found his true gift of coaching. From years of coaching football and baseball, he was able to get the best out of his players and be very successful. Steve then coached in High School and was the Head Softball Coach at Farwell where they had the most successful run in school History. He coached his teams to Conference and District titles and led the team the farthest it has ever reached in the history in Regionals. Though he had many skills that he exceeded at, he did have an issue with remembering names. Farwell now has the distinction of having the largest number of kids all with the same name. Everyone that ever played for him became “Bud” in his eyes. Steve loved spending time with family and being on the water. He spent many of his years with his family fishing, riding Jet Skis, on the pontoon or swimming. He loved being around kids and interacting with them in many ways. From Spooky Joe Stories to being a human diving board, he was always happiest when he was around kids. He also enjoyed other sports like bowling and golf and spending time in the woods hunting for deer and rabbits. He was a family man and was very proud of all his children and grand children. Steve is survived by his wife and love of his life of over 52 years marriage, Nancy. He had three children Shawn (Tim) Knake of Coleman, Amy (Wayne) Saupe of Farwell and Steven (Jade) Klinge of Onaway. He had six grand children Gavin, Kathrine, Ethan, Elizabeth, Grace and Drew. Steve was also survived by his two sister, Deb Meade and Candy Mock of Plainwell. Visitation and Memorial Services will be held at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:30 A.M. with services led by Pastor Douglas Blackwell to start at 1 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Farwell High School Softball Team. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Steve E. Klinge

March 2, 1951 - May 9, 2022