Barbara Below Kletzien

     Barbara B. Kletzien, 96, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023, at her home, with her family at her side.

     She was born June 12, 1927 in Evanston, Illinois, the daughter of the late Martin and Florence (Fox) Below. Barbara graduated from New Trier High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1949.

     Barbara was the director of Health Information Management at Door County Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1994.

     She was a member at United Methodist Church in Sturgeon Bay where she sang in the choir. Barbara was also a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization of Door County. She volunteered for the Door County Hospital Foundation & Auxiliary, and for the oncology department. She loved to golf even up until a few years ago and was part of the Door County Golf Association. Barbara created her own natural nature phenomenon in her yard where birds, rabbits, squirrels, and all nature’s gifts were welcome, especially early morning’s where she was greeted with outdoor morning song of all kinds. In addition to golf and gardening, she loved playing tennis, bowling, playing bridge with her many close friends in Bridge Club, and participating in the senior programs offered by the YMCA.

     Survivors include her two children, William “Bill” (Cheryl) Kletzien of Sturgeon Bay, and Jackie (Bob) Graham, of Montana; three grandchildren, Baxter Graham of Madison, Billy (Kelly) Kletzien of Sturgeon Bay and Bristol, WI, Dr. Heidi Kletzien, Ph.D.(fiancé Michael Finn, M.D.) of Cambridge, MA; sister, Beverly Fetzer of Glencoe, IL, many nephews and nieces, and her dog, Blue.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Martin “Foxie” (Patricia) Below; brother-in-law, Wade Fetzer III; and her beloved dogs, Cara, Thunder, and Misty.

     “Special thanks to her caregivers from Compassus Hospice.”

     A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2023 at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church. Sweets and coffee in Barbara's memory to follow.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in her memory to Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, or Door County Medical Center Auxiliary.

     Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC are assisting the Kletzien family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Barbara may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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