Obituary
Service Information
Service : Thursday, October 31st at 10:00 am
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
November 6th, 2024
SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,
~ANDI KOSLA
~FRIEND, WILMETTE’
November 2nd, 2024
Dear Amy and Steve,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Barbara’s passing. She was so full of life and her infectious laugh always made me smile. I was so glad to see her when she and Amy came to Toronto for my granddaughter Maddy’s Bat Mitzvah last fall. I know that she will be greatly missed by the whole Klem family and by those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with her. I wish you much strength.
Love,
Noreen Kay
~Noreen Kay
~Friend, Toronto, Ontario,Canada
November 1st, 2024
We are inconsolably saddened as we say goodbye to Barb, even as we know that we’re so lucky to have been blessed with an extraordinary 60+ years of friendship, beautiful memories, and great adventures which we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
Barb was more than a loving friend. She brought sunshine, warmth, pure joy, and so much laughter to all the lives she touched. We were “family by choice”, closer than many sisters, and she added so much meaning to my world.
Imagine it! Barb, a die-hard Cubs fan, Steve a loyal Sox fan, and yet they shared a long and very special love affair!
Barb was a loving and devoted Mom to Amy & Stephan and Andrew & Tara, and a delighted and joyous “Bubbie” to Levi, Jonah, and Teagun.
I know the marvelous memories we all share will eventually soften the shock of losing her.
So long for now, my dearest Ruthie.
You are forever in our hearts.
Ruth and Mic
~Barbara Freeman
~Friend, moron grove
October 31st, 2024
I have known Barbara literally my entire life. I believe Steve came over to watch my sister (Amy) while my parents went to the hospital for my mom to give birth to me. She and Steve have been fixtures in our family’s lives, and they have been such great friends to my parents. I know how much my parents have enjoyed being able to see them so much more often ever since they (my parents) moved to Arizona, and I am sure one of the motivating reasons for them moving there was to be able to see Barbara and Steve more often than they had been able to see them prior to that time. I will also remember Barbara’s laugh and sense of humor. She was always so fun to be around, and she will be missed dearly.
~Aaron Bloom
~friend, Los Angeles, CA
October 31st, 2024
Sending my condolences.
~Sylvia ROSENBUSH
~Friend, Chicago ill.
October 31st, 2024
Sending love, thoughts, and prayer.
~Sylvia Rosebush
~Friend, Chicago, I’ll.
October 31st, 2024
Barb and Norm were friends in college at SIU. He remembers her as always fun to be around and her wonderful sense of humor. Linda remembers her as a good friend and Mah Jongg player during our years at Tahoe Village in Wheeling. We last saw Barb when visiting Chicago in November 2008. We met her and Steve for lunch. Here’s a pic of her with our granddaughter Blake.
~Linda and Norm Chafetz
~Friend, Austin, TX
October 31st, 2024
I will always remember her big laugh and hugs She was an original and she will be missed but always in my heart . With love, Wendy lesserlas vegasv
~Wendy lesser
~Friend, Las Vegas
October 31st, 2024
We use. to bike ride and exercise today. We worked together at The Best. She use to leave work to go check on Perry. I will miss her dearly.
~Gail Feldman
~Friend, Delray Beach FL
October 31st, 2024
The Klems have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was too little to remember the time we lived in the same community in Chicago. But, I have so many great memories following that whether it was at the big important moments like my wedding or Grandma Mitzi’s memorial or the everyday moments like meeting up for brunch/dinner and to catch up when visiting my parents in Arizona. Those moments often involved food, conversation and arguing over who was picking up the check. To me, Barbara and Steve have always been loving, fun and funny…a house divided when it comes to baseball, but united on most everything else including their fierce love of family. Steve, Amy, Andrew and family, may Barbara’s memory, ability to always find a story or two to fill the silence, ear to ear smile, and warm hugs always be a blessing.
~Amy Bloom Stern
~family friend, Black Diamond, WA
October 31st, 2024
Dear Steve and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grew up with Barbara in Peterson Park all the way through SIU. Sending love and light to all of you.
Suzanne Lishon
~Suzanne Lishon
~old friend, Woodland Hills, CA
October 31st, 2024
So sad to hear this. My deepest condolences to her family.
~DONALD J WEISBERG
~Classmate and friend, Chicago
October 30th, 2024
I have so many fond and happy memories of Barb. We had many high school and college shenanigans. I will always remember her bright smile and her infectious laughter. My condolences to the Klem family. ❤️
Sherry Levitt Singer
~Sherry Singer
~Friend, Mundelein
October 30th, 2024
Barbara and I were best friends in high school.. We laughed a lot, danced, and were there for each other. I remember so
many funny times at the Fox home . RIP old friend. Ii will always smile when I thinkkk of you!!
~Marcia Gillman
~friend, Boca Raton
October 30th, 2024
My condolences to the family for your loss. .
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Wayne Freeman
~Wayne Freeman
~Friend, Skokie,Il
October 30th, 2024
We were deeply saddened to hear about Barbara’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Steve and Merle Freeman
~Steven Freeman
~, Lincolnwood, Illinois.
October 30th, 2024
Dear Steve, Amy, and Andrew,
I was heartbroken to hear about Barbara’s passing. She was so much more than just my brownie leader; she was a close friend to my mom and a wonderful presence in our lives. Growing up just around the block from the Klems, I got to see the beautiful bond they shared, filled with laughter and so many cherished stories.
My mom is also heartbroken by this news; she just spoke to Barbara the other day and is struggling to process this loss. Whenever I flew in from Florida, I always looked forward to our special lunches when Barbara would come up from the city to spend time with my mom. Those moments were truly special, filled with joy as they reminisced and shared tales of the good times. I loved hearing about all of you—Steve, Amy, and Andrew—and the wonderful memories you created together.
I’ll always treasure those accidental text messages that connected us, giving me glimpses of family photos and joyful moments. Barbara had a unique way of making everyone feel loved and included, and her warmth will be missed deeply.
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know that you’re in my thoughts, and I’m sending you all my love.
With heartfelt condolences,
Stacy
~Stacy Feldman
~Family Friend, Wellington , Florida
October 30th, 2024
In Barbara’s presence, there was never a lack of conversation. He sense of humor, care, consideration, compassion and love of family and friends was very special and she will be missed.
~Michael Samuels
~Friend of the family, Highland Park
October 30th, 2024
Remember the warmth of her smile! Always sad to hear of a peer passing! RIP!
~Susan Bleiman
~Von Steuben High school classmate, Delray Beach, FL
October 30th, 2024
I remember many great times with Barbara in school and socializing. I express much sympathy to her loved ones
~Genese Kole Fine
~Classmate, Buckeye, AZ
October 29th, 2024
Barb was always bopping to the music and there is no doubt truly enjoying it! Loved her infectious & unique sense of humor. Will miss her. Love & condolences to you all.
~Max & Judi Tuchten
~Old Friends, Scottsdale, AZ
October 29th, 2024
Recent cousins lunch at Tre Kroner our favorite happy place
~Charlene Karns
~Cousin/friend, Chicago Illinois
October 29th, 2024
I just remember Barbara as always smiling and friendly . I am so sorry. For your loss.
~marsha liff
~High school friend., Parkland Florida
October 29th, 2024
Condolences to your family
~Renarda Wolf
~Friend, Chicago, illinois
October 29th, 2024
We always had such good times together even when we went to Westlawn cemetery to visit our dear families. She always remembered my birthday and we celebrated ours together. I loved her and will miss her!
~Charlene karns
~First cousins and dear friends, Chicago Illinois
October 29th, 2024
My sincerest sympathies go out to the whole family and all of those who feel the greatness of this loss. The Klem family is loving and beautiful, and Barbara had a tremendous influence on that. May her memory be for a blessing for all time.
~Aviva Bollinger
~Friend, Evanston IL
October 29th, 2024
Always would laugh and have fun with her. Will miss her dearly
~Ron and Sue fox
~Cousin, Rio verde Arizona
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