David James Kluka

David “Dave” James Kluka, age 71, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on August 11, 1955, in Berwyn, Illinois, to the late John and Berenice Kluka.

Dave was a graduate of Morton West High School in Berwyn and continued his education at Morton College. On September 5, 1992, he married the love of his life, Francisca Sanchez, with whom he shared many wonderful years together.

Dave dedicated much of his working life to Walmart. He began his career with the company in Chicago, Illinois, before relocating to Fort Wayne, where he continued his career at the

Maysville Road Walmart. After 22 years of dedicated service, Dave retired from Walmart. Earlier in his career, he worked at Uncle Bob’s, a family-owned and family-operated restaurant reminiscent of Chuck E. Cheese, where he enjoyed being part of a family-oriented business.

Dave had a love for many things in life. He was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed watching WWE Wrestling, particularly his favorite wrestler, Hulk Hogan. He also loved listening to Trace Adkins and various country music. Dave enjoyed his frequent visits to Starbucks and was well known for his famous meatloaf, prepared from a cherished family recipe that had been passed down through the generations.

Above all, Dave cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was known by those who knew him as one of the most generous and giving people they had ever met. His kindness, humor, generosity, and love for his family will be remembered and treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dave will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will live on through the many lives he enriched with his love, generosity, and kindness.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Francisca Kluka; his daughter, Lina Kluka (Steve Horejs), his nephew and nieces, who he loved like his own children, Geovanny Veloz, Alexandra Veloz, and Arianna Veloz; his grandchildren, Jullian Kluka, Daniel Kluka, Irene Kluka, Naomi Gomez, Emma Gomez, Jake Horejs, Anthony Hassan, Isaac Hassan, and Steve Horejs; his great-grandchildren, Jasmine Alina Lopez Kluka and Leilani Kluka; his brother-in-law, Sergio Sanchez; and his sister-in-law, Reyna Veloz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Raymond “Ray” Kluka.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

Pastor Steve Roper of Faith Baptist Church in Fort Wayne will officiate the service.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

To sign the online guest book or share a memory of Dave, please visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Facebook.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.