Barbara Jean Nichol Murzyn

Barbara Jean Nichol Murzyn, a retired speech pathologist and Minocqua native, died peacefully at Prairie Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chicago Heights, Ill., on May 2, 2026. She was 92 years old.

Barbara was born in Tomahawk, to George and Evelyn (Thompson) Nichol. She was raised in a multigenerational household in Minocqua with her parents, grandmother, great-grandmother, and two aunts during the Depression and World War II. Barbara was a bright, curious child who excelled in school and music. She was a talented pianist who during high school played the Sunday services for the United Methodist Church of the Pines in Minocqua and in college earned money by serving as an accompanist for music performance majors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Barbara was the drum major for her high school marching band and was also on the forensics team. She graduated from Minocqua High School in 1952. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a bachelors degree in speech correction. While a college student, she met Burton Klabunde; they were married in 1957 and settled in Chicago Heights, Ill. with their children, Keith and Carrie, in 1964. Barbara would reside in Chicago’s South Suburbs for over 60 years.

When Burt and Barbara parted ways, Barbara became a single parent, raising their children while working full time and attending graduate school at night to earn an MHS degree in speech pathology from Governors State University. She served as a school speech-language pathologist for over 30 years in the Sauk Village and Matteson, Ill. public school systems. In 1978, Barbara met Frank Murzyn at a Parents Without Partners event; they married in 1981 and were together for over 40 years until his death at age 96. Barbara and Frank enjoyed ballroom dancing, music, travel, and presenting an amateur magic act as Sinbad and Lady Barbara for a variety of audiences.

Barbara was an intelligent, vibrant, energetic woman with a knack for planning and organization. Because of these skills, she exceled in a variety of leadership roles over her lifetime, including with Job’s Daughters International, Cub Scouts, Camp Fire, the Marine Corps League, South Suburban Speech-Hearing-Language Association, and the Chicago Heights Senior Center. She also continued to play her beloved piano throughout her life and enjoyed playing hymns, folk songs, and Broadway show tunes well into her 80s. Barbara was a proud Wisconsinite; she loved Wisconsin’s Northwoods and returned every summer to visit family and socialize with childhood friends and former classmates. Above all else, Barbara was a devoted and supportive mother to her children.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents; husband Frank; and nine aunts and uncles. Survivors include her brother, children, son-in-law, step-daughter, and several step-grandchildren. A memorial visitation and service will be held on Saturday, June 27, at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Ill, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Private interment of ashes will take place at Homewood Memorial Gardens at a later date. Should you wish to make a donation in Barbara’s memory, Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or Thresholds of Chicago (www.thresholds.org) are suggested charitable organizations. Tews-Ryan Funeral Home of Homewood, 708-798-5300. is assisting the family.