Barbara A. Tinklenberg Obituary
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Charity of One's Choice, c/o the funeral home.
Age 85, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with her family at her side. Barbara was born in Muskegon, MI on May 15, 1940, the daughter of the late John and Joan (Herlien) Karafa. On June 25, 1977, she married the love of her life, Lawrence "Lefty" Tinklenberg who preceded her death on November 28, 2014. Barbara was a hard worker who was employed in the Accounts Department at Borgess Hospital and retired in 2002 after 35 years. She had a kind and gentle nature with a welcoming smile. She was dedicated to her family and was always there for them. Barbara loved spending time working in her yard and garden, crocheting, or visiting with friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Carol (Jeff) Danhauser, Kathy Tinklenberg, Russ Tinklenberg, Randy Tinklenberg; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; siblings, Debbie (Pat) McKenon and Donna (Tom) Springsdorf; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Jason Tinklenberg; and sister, Judy (Ty) Spencer.
