Clara was born on May 29, 1936, in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Napoleon and Mary (Kiessel) Belanger. On September 2, 1961, at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau, she married the love of her life, Jerome E. Bufka, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2022. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, building a home full of love, laughter, and strong family values.

Clara loved tending to her large garden, taking great pride in canning the fruits and vegetables she grew herself. She enjoyed cross-country skiing in the winter, fishing on Little Traverse Lake in the summer, and spending cherished time at the family cabin. A talented crafter, she found joy in knitting and crocheting, creating hats, mittens, and intricate doilies that she lovingly shared with family and friends.

Clara and her husband Jerome were very active in their church, St. Rita’s in Maple City. She was involved in the Alter Society and supported the community through the church wherever she was needed. Clara was also an avid euchre player, and always in the weeds usually winning whenever she played. She loved hosting family holiday dinners and having her whole family together.

Clara is survived by her children, Ann (Scott) Mills, Bob (Andria) Bufka, Lou Died October 28, 2025 (Erin) Bufka, and Matt (Amy) Bufka; her siblings, Sister Rosemary Belanger, Paul (Ann) Belanger, Ed (Darlene) Belanger; her grandchildren, Tracy (Levi) Stubbs, Heather (Kevin) Dudek, Austin Mills, Rachel (Miles) French, Haley Bufka, Emma Bufka, and Joseph Edward Bufka; and her great- grandchildren, Gideon and Gemma Stubbs, Harper, Gabriel, Blaise, and Augustine Dudek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jerome; her son, Alan E. Bufka; and her siblings, Agnes, Bernard, Margaret, Leo, Leona, Sam, and Millie.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 3rd, at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay, with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. The Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4th, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Maple City, with the family greeting friends one hour prior. Burial in St. Rita/ St. Joseph Cemetery will follow. Father Kenneth Stachnik will officiate.

Memorials in Clara’s honor may be directed to St. Rita/St. Joseph Perpetual Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 75, Maple City, MI 49664; the Carmelite Monastery, 3501 Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684; and/or for Mass Intentions.

Please share condolences and memories with Clara’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.