Jennifer I. Klenk

Jennifer Irene Klenk, 39, of Bay City, Michigan, died May 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in her Bay City, Michigan childhood home. After three difficult journeys with cancer, God has called his child to join him in his heavenly home. Jennifer was born on November 16, 1985 to Joan Klenk, nee Mindykowski, and Robert James Klenk in Landstuhl, Germany. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Public History from Western Michigan University. Later she worked as a Registrar, and retired from the Bay Arenac Intermediate School District.

Jennifer was a skilled seamstress, exercising her artistic talent by creating gifts for her family and friends. She handcrafted baby blankets, wedding quilts and sewed personalized items for her aunts, uncles and cousins. Always by her side was her dog, Luna, who enjoyed long daily walks. Her passion for nature and travel was shared by her parents, and together they hiked many of our national parks. Her leisure time was often filled with hours of reading her favorite books, assembling puzzles and elaborate Legos, and decorating diamond art. She was a master of board games and relished time spent with her family gathered around the kitchen table, as well as, highly anticipated trips with her brother attending an annual board game convention. She was a Harry Potter aficionado and enjoyed all things Disney, traveling to Disney World yearly to visit the parks with her Aunt Sara and cousins. However, Jennifer’s true light was her kindness and thoughtfulness. She dedicated hours weekly corresponding to family and friends, ensuring everyone she loved received cards and mail for the special occasions in their lives. Most importantly, Jennifer wanted to be remembered for the love she felt for the people in her life.

Jennifer is survived by her mother Joan (Mindykowski) Klenk, her father Robert James Klenk, her brother Robert Eugene Klenk, her sister in-law Janell Marie Klenk (Pawlak) and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly. She is survived by her loyal companion, Luna, a rescued dog who will miss her terribly. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eugene and Irene Mindykowski, and Oscar and Margaret Klenk.

Friend and family visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home (201 W. Midland St. Bay City, MI 48706). A funeral service will begin with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Corpus Christi Parish (1000 S. Wenona St. Bay City, MI 48706). Contributions may be considered to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.