Tim Achterhoff (MAB file photo)

The MAB has learned that longtime Michigan broadcaster Tim Achterhoff passed away October 6 at the age of 76.  Achterhoff is best known for his 28 years with WMUS-AM-FM (Muskegon).  He started at the station in 1965 as a teenage on-air personality, later became Program Director, Music Director, Chief Engineer and Station Manager.  Eventually he was promoted to President of the corporations that owned WMUS as well as WJML-AM-FM (Petoskey), KQDS-AM/FM (Duluth, MN) and WPLY-AM (Plymouth, WI).

In early 1994, Achterhoff left radio and joined RC Productions and RCP Marketing in Muskegon as VP, where he spent 30 years. His voice had been heard on TV and radio ads for almost 60 years.

He was a graduate of Muskegon High School and attended Muskegon Community College. He also served for six years with the U. S. Army Reserve's 486th Engineering Company in Muskegon.  Achterhoff served as president of the Muskegon County Unit of the American Cancer Society, the Foundation for Muskegon Community College, and Muskegon Summer Celebration. He also served on the board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for a number of years.

He served on the Communications Committee of United Way of Muskegon and hosted a monthly program on cable TV called "United Way Today". He also did fundraising for the Muskegon Rescue Mission, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Achterhoff was a member of the Muskegon Rotary Club which recognized him as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1980, he was the recipient of the Greater Muskegon Jaycee's Distinguished Service Award. In the 90s, Achterhoff received the MCC Distinguished Citizen Award and the Professionalism Award from the American Women in Radio and TV.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to United Way of the Lakeshore (www.unitedwaylakeshore.org).