Tim Korhorn liked to keep his life simple, with his family at the center and his hunting and fi shing just a little off to the side. He was very happy to combine, spending a day with his family and fi shing together.
The 1950s were a bustling, optimistic time in American history. Neighborhoods and schools were bursting at the seams in the post-war Baby Boom. Families moved from the cities to stake their claims on a comfortable life in the suburbs, where new domestic technologies promised to make the average American life easier. On the outskirts of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Egbert “Eggie” and Esther (Hulst) Korhorn were celebrating a “baby boom” of their own with the birth of their son, Timothy, on June 17, 1951.
Tim grew up in Grand Rapids with his two sisters, Corrine and Nancy. His father provided well for the family as a District Manager at the Grand Rapids Press while his mother worked as a school cook and cared for their family. Tim received his education in the Kenowa Hills Public Schools and graduated in 1969. Already in high school, Tim developed a strong work ethic while working as a cook at Delight Restaurant in Standale. However, after graduating, he focused on his future and enrolled in trade school to learn the skills of a tool and die maker.
In 1971 - he met the love of his life, Sharlene “Shar” Buhrer, while bowling at Allendale Lanes. The two began dating and fell hopelessly in love. They were happily married a year later in the Allendale Christian Reformed Church on October 7, 1972. After a romantic honeymoon in the Upper Peninsula, the newlyweds settled into their fi rst home together on 14th Avenue. A year later, they moved to Dover Drive NW, where they reside to this day. Not long after settling into their new home, Tim and Shar delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Tammy, on May 10, 1974. As their only child, Tammy was undoubtedly her parents’ true pride and joy.
Tim was always a great provider for his family. As a tool & die maker, he worked in several shops in the area over the years, but was currently at Northwest Tool & Die Co. Outside of work, Tim had many hobbies to keep him busy. His favorite pastimes, however, were hunting and fi shing. Tim had been hunting since he was a teenager, and in fact had “bagged” his fi rst buck at 16. He learned early on that hunting takes patience in order to get that sure shot, and he always waited for that “sure shot.” Most of the time, Tim didn’t hunt alone, he would go with his dad and take his buddy, Ray, with him. When he wasn’t in a tree stand in the woods, Tim was out in his boat fi shing with one of his buddy’s Ray or Bud at a favorite spot, hoping to catch some blue gill, trout, bass or salmon. Later on, Tim and Shar enjoyed fi shing together at Pickeral Lake.
Although Tim enjoyed his outdoor activities, he was perfectly content being at home, spending time with his loved ones. On the weekends, he could usually be found behind his grill, cooking up some steaks, chops or burgers, since he was a meat and potatoes guy. However, Tim loved Shar’s casseroles and spaghetti too! When relaxing, Tim liked to watch a good documentary on the History or Discovery Channels and he also enjoyed the Food Network channel. A die-hard NASCAR fan, he didn’t miss a Sunday Cup race and liked keeping his eye on his favorite driver, Johnny Benson, currently in the Truck series. He was also an avid reader of the daily newspaper, and kept up on the latest techniques and gadgets in hunting and fi shing magazines. For his listening pleasure, Tim has enjoyed music by the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and Stevie Nicks. He even surprised his wife with tickets for the two of them to see the Moody Blues one time and Cher in concert another time at the Van Andel Arena. Two of Tim’s prized possessions were his old green Ford Torino and his motorcycle. He even taught Shar how to drive a motorcycle and she had one of her very own.
About ten years ago, Tim made a big change in his life and became a man of great faith. He put God fi rst in his life and became a member of Remembrance Reformed Church, where he served as a greeter and usher. But Tim always had a wonderfully devoted heart, he always lent a helping hand to his in-laws and others whenever needed. Despite his struggle with high cholesterol and numerous surgeries, including carpal tunnel and back surgery, Tim never thought twice about lending a hand wherever needed. His years of dedication allowed him to touch the lives of many.
Sadly, on Friday, February 1, 2008, while driving on Lake Michigan Drive, Tim suddenly collapsed in his car, which caused him to be in an accident. It was here that he died of a heart attack at the age of 56. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Tim will be deeply missed and frequently remembered.
Tim was preceded in death by his father, Egbert Korhorn. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharlene Korhorn (Buhrer); his daughter and son- in-law, Tammy and Philip VanKuiken; his granddaughter, Breanna VanKuiken; his mother, Esther (Bill) Erwood; his sisters, Corrine Christiansen, Nancy (Joe) Walczewski; his mother-in-law and father- in-law, Wilma and Bern Buhrer; his step-mother, Neta Korhorn; nieces and nephews, Jeremy Christiansen, Brian (Lynne) Christiansen, Randy Walczewski, Samie Walczewski, Melissa Walczewski; and many other family and friends.
A service to celebrate Tim’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Remembrance Reformed Church, 4575 Remembrance Road NW, Grand Rapids. Burial will be in Allendale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday, February 4, from 6-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids. Please visit Tim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.