Timothy Aldrich

Tim Aldrich passed away at his home on November 12, 2024. He was born on January 15, 1951, in Kalamazoo, MI. Tim grew up and graduated from high school in Schoolcraft, MI where he met his wife, Elisabeth. Tim is survived by his brother, Larry (Patsy) Aldrich; his sons, Jeremy (Kelly) and Ben (Lisa); his grandson, Henry Neal Aldrich; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal C. and Patricia R. (Houts) Aldrich, and his wife Elisabeth (Meersma). In his professional life, Tim worked as a lithographer, specializing in packaging graphics for things like cereal boxes and oatmeal containers. Family and taking pleasure in the simplest and most essential elements of life, however, were where he found his greatest satisfaction and joy. The last years of Tim's life were spent in deep and sincere enjoyment of his family, friends, outdoor adventures, and creative pursuits. He looked forward to meeting up with his brother, Larry, on a regular basis to enjoy time together at the conservation club, fishing, and spending time at deer camp. Tim found family in many many forms, faces, and places. He enjoyed his trips to the Denver area to visit Jeremy, Kelly, and Henry, where he proudly watched Henry play baseball and football. He was also an avid fan and cheerleader of Gus, Hank, and Ned Zilinskas as they excelled in their football pursuits. His appreciation and love for the Mott family is long and abiding. He found additional honorary kids and grandkids in the Buchinger side of the family as well. Tim was a treasured presence at birthday parties and holiday gatherings, and his enthusiasm for providing deluxe appetizers and participating in the gift grab at Christmas brought him tightly into the circle of laughter and hilarity that marks these occasions. There is much appreciation for the embodiment of happiness that Tim was, for the warmth and interest he showed to others, and for all of the skills and lessons he patiently taught so many of us along the way. Tim spent the last days of his life enjoying beautiful weather and legendary fishing on the Muskegon River with his sons and grandson. His last written words were a summary of the fishing locations and fish caught on his last, grand trip on the river with his dear ones. His absence at the commencement of the next project or on the next fishing trip will be bittersweet, but we are grateful that he departed this life in a place of fulfillment, happiness, and quietness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007, this service will be available via livestream. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one' s choice, in care of the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.