ZEELAND — For over a decade, Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra has guided the city through several key projects in his current role, but he will treasure most the moments he spent with local students. 

As he prepares to step down this November, Klynstra, 69, reflected on a legacy built not just on infrastructure, but on countless city hall tours given to wide-eyed second-graders. He led the annual tours during all 14 years as mayor. 

“I enjoyed meeting people in this job and the citizens of Zeeland, but probably most was giving tours to second-graders every year,” Klynstra said. 

Klynstra, who ran unopposed since his election in 2011, is the second-longest-serving mayor in the city's history, following Les Hoogland, who served 22 years. Before being elected mayor, Klynstra served 16 years on city council. 

From postal carrier to councilman

Klynstra, a lifelong resident, was a U.S. Postal worker for 35 years. It was during the course of that career that he felt led to the local political scene.  

“I’ve walked about every street in town. I know the city well. My route was right in the main part of downtown. I got to know the store owners and they are one of the reasons I ran for city council,” he said. “I heard some of their concerns. I thought it would be kind of a fun thing to do.”

When Klynstra was nearing his retirement as a postal carrier, he was nudged by Hoogland to run for city council. That led him to run for mayor. 

Klynstra was part of some significant upgrades to the downtown area and contributed to the growth of the city’s industrial park. Klynstra said he is proud of several projects, including the redevelopment of the old Sligh Furniture Co. building that has since been turned into apartments and townhouses on the east side of town. 

Serving as mayor during the expansion of Gentex Corp. — the city’s largest employer — is also “something to be proud of,” he said. 

Klynstra admits that during his time as mayor, there were some trying times as well, but said he navigated them as best he could.

“It wasn’t all fun and games and we had times when residents weren’t so happy. That’s never fun. We try to have a good blend and try and keep everyone happy,” he said. “Overall it was a good run.”

Klynstra said he met some interesting people outside of Zeeland as part of his job, including former President Barack Obama and members of the Royal House of the Netherlands. He also officiated seven weddings. 

“The people I met along the way are the most interesting part about the job,” he said. 

Family time and traveling on the horizon

Once he finishes his term in November, Klynstra said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Sheryl, whom he has been married to for four years. The two of them plan to spend time at their cottage in Wisconsin and may consider traveling south for better weather during the winter months. 

He also looks forward to spending time with his extended family, including his 12 grandchildren. 

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Klynstra lost first wife, Sandi, several years ago when she died of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He credits her for supporting him during his time in office as well.

“Sandi — she was right there with me for many of those years,” he said. 

The couple raised three daughters: Megan, Stephanie and Brigit. 

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.