Barbara M. (Klafta) Guertin

Barbara M. (Klafta) Guertin, 83, of Bourbonnais, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24th, rejoining her beloved husband Ronald after a love story that spanned more than six decades. Born November 4, 1942, in Kankakee, IL, to Leonard Klafta, Sr. and Vesta (Milton) Klafta, Barbara graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1960. That same year, on November 30th, she married Ronald L. Guertin, beginning a devoted partnership that would last 62 years until his passing on July 1, 2024. Barbara's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her three children: William J. (Sherri), of Bourbonnais; Jennifer (Luther, Jr.) Carter, of Bradley; and Susan Barclay-Navey, of Bourbonnais; and one sister, Helen Kelley (Ralph Levange) of Kankakee. Her 10 grandchildren include Kyle (Alexandra) Guertin of Myrtle Beach, SC; Ryan (Alicia) Guertin of Bourbonnais; Tyler (Haleigh) Guertin of Bourbonnais; Victoria Werling of Chicago; Thomas (Jane) Carter of Colorado Springs, CO; Jeanette Carter (Greg Lambert) of Bradley; Sara Carter of Bradley; Molly (Leroy) Sthay of Bourbonnais; Mandy Barclay of Bourbonnais; and Maggie (Michael) Barclay, as well as 16 great-grandchildren. Though she worked at Model Finance, the Paramount Theatre, and Peoples Bank, her true vocation was as a homemaker, where she enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. A woman of generous spirit and boundless energy, Barbara served her community through the Kankakee Junior Woman's Club, the Gabettes, and the Red Hat Society. Her crowning achievement was co-creating the "Spice of Life" benefit variety show in 1984, to which she devoted over 20 years. This beloved annual event raised more than $175,000 for Harbor House of Kankakee County, touching countless lives. In quieter moments, Barbara found peace in her garden, building puzzles, playing Scrabble and mahjongg, and watching the birds and wildlife that visited her backyard sanctuary. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 2nd, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Jan. 3rd beginning at 10:00 am at Schreffler, officiated by Deacon Patrick Skelly, followed by a brief burial service in the mausoleum at All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor House of Kankakee County.

Barbara M. (Klafta) Guertin

November 4, 1942 - December 24, 2025

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Barbara M. (Klafta) Guertin

November 4, 1942 - December 24, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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