Gretchen Anne Klobucar

Gretchen Anne Klobucar (Brubaker) age 64 of Baldwin, Michigan passed away at home on Saturday, September 30, 2023 with her loving husband Don at her side after a fierce battle with colon cancer. Gretchen was born on August 30, 1959 to Joseph and Janet Brubaker. Her love for life started early, growing up with brothers Morgan, Dennis, Eric and Kurt in Midland, MI. After graduating from Midland Dow High School in 1977, she went on to Central Michigan University. Gretchen’s career with the McDonald’s Corporation began in April of 1977 and lasted through October of 2016. She loved to talk and was passionate about the business - her favorite position with the company was showing off her impressive presentation skills as a Mid-Management Training Consultant. Just imagine – you can get paid to speak for a living! It was during her time with the McDonald’s Corporation that she caught the eye of Don Klobucar. It was love at first sight for Don! After he won her heart, the two spent 42 years as husband and wife. Gretchen and Don raised their children in Hudsonville, MI and in 2009 they moved to their lakefront home on Wolf Lake, in Baldwin, MI. It was here that they spent hours growing and caring for her beautiful gardens, entertaining family and friends and cruising around the lake on the pontoon. More than anything, she adored being a grandmother! After her colon cancer diagnosis on May 3, 2017, Gretchen and Don became strong advocates for early colon cancer screenings. Gretchen left her mark on the fight against colon cancer by participating in six phase one clinical trials to help others in their work towards a cure. She was truly the definition of a warrior. Gretchen was preceded in death by her father Joseph Brubaker of Gladwin, MI, and her brother Morgan Brubaker (Janis Adams) of Evergreen, CO. Gretchen will be greatly missed by her husband Don Klobucar of Baldwin; their three children Jeremy (Angie) Klobucar of Clarkston, Serena (Brent) Eckhardt of Grand Rapids, and Bryan (Meghan) Klobucar of Norwich, NY; her beloved grandchildren Jack, Ashlyn and Brooks Klobucar; her mother Janet Brubaker of Midland; her brothers Dennis (Susan) Brubaker of Midland, Eric (Heather) Brubaker of Midland, and Kurt (Laura) Brubaker of Eagle Point, OR; her brothers and sisters in law William “Dirk” (Judy) Klobucar of Baton Rouge, LA, Keith (Kimberly) Klobucar of Dryden, MI, and Kevin (Patti) Klobucar of Hilton Head, SC. Gretchen will also be missed by many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; great aunts, cousins and special “McFamily” she has been blessed with over the years (Jim and Shonna Peterson). Gretchen will also be missed by her two wonderful “sisters by choice” Kathy Rodewald and Laurie Taylor. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Gretchen at 11:00 am on Friday, October 6 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baldwin. Friends may visit with her family prior to Mass from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the church. Those who wish to remember Gretchen with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Bread of Life Food Pantry or Grandma’s Cupboard Baby Pantry through St. Ann’s Catholic Church, both are organizations Gretchen cared deeply for.

Gretchen Anne Klobucar

August 30, 1959 - September 30, 2023