Barbara Kluzak

Barbara Kluzak, 83, of Traverse City passed away on Friday, October, 4, 2024 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living with her family at her side.

Barb was born on January 4, 1941 in Detroit, MI to the late John and Emily (Drazazgowska ) Zmudzinski. After graduating from high school she earned her nursing degree. She had two rotations, one at the children's hospital in Detroit and the other one was here in Traverse City where she met the love of her life, Bob Kluzak and lifelong friends Clayt and Linda Micowski. In her younger years, Barb tells of working at Sanders Soda Shop in the original Hudson's department store, where she was a "soda jerk".

On August 25, 1962, she married Robert Kluzak in Detroit. Together, they loved to travel, golf, boat and spend as much time as they could in Florida or cruising. While living a full life they also managed to raise three wonderful children.

Barb enjoyed a fulfilling career as a nurse, working at Munson Medical Center and later with Dr. Dan and Dr. Ball at the Northern Michigan Neurological Center (now known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). She took great pride in her role as office manager and enjoyed her time working with the Doctors and Nurses. She touched many lives.

In her spare time, Barb enjoyed playing bridge, cards, fishing, boating and golfing. She especially loved taking long walks along the beaches of Englewood looking for shark teeth, and taking risk in card games like pinochle. Her famous line was "I don't think I'm gonna make it" but she made it every time!

Barb will be remembered for her kindness, her love of all things dessert, especially chocolate and ice-cream. Her favorite times were times spent with family. She was proud of her children and grandchildren.

The Orchard Creek team became a family to Barb. She loved them and they loved her. She made sure she always had eye glass wipes on hand for the staff and they always made sure she got her share of dessert!

She is survived by her children: Brian (Paula) Kluzak of Traverse City; Beverly Kluzak of Kalamazoo, Julie (Joseph) Janiga of Almont; her grandchildren, McKenna and Emily Kluzak, Joe and Jared Janiga and her great grandchildren, Blake and Damien Janiga and brother Rich (Mary) Zmudzinski. Barb is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including a very special nephew, Bill (Linda) Kluzak of Traverse City. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services are planned for 11am on Saturday, November 9, 2024 with a visitation held one hour prior at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .