Lawrence "Paul" Kluka

Lawrence "Paul" Kluka, beloved husband and father, passed peacefully at the age of 73 at his home, with his loving wife & two children at his side, on Monday, August 10, 2026 (Feast of St. Lawrence). He retired as an engineer from AT&T (Bellsouth), after 45 years of dedicated service. Paul was known for serving Ponchatoula and its surrounding communities through many different organizations. These included but are not limited to Key Club (Kiwanis), Ponchatoula (Dixie) Youth Baseball & Basketball, St. Joseph school board, the Knights of Columbus, Hammond City Club, and anything that involved local waterways. He was not only involved, but usually assumed coach/ leadership roles. Closest to his heart were his Catholic Faith and God, his family, and time with friends and family on the Tangipahoa River. Paul is already deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Karen Smith Kluka; children, Brennan Paul Kluka (Meghan), and Brielle "Breezy" Elese Kluka; grandchildren, Allyn Anne Kluka and Jameson Paul Kluka; sisters, Karen Lynn Kluka Slocum, Sylvia Kluka Hebert, Virginia Kluka Bordelon, and Evelyn Kluka Meier; mother, Beulah Beauchamp Kluka; godmother, Catherine Mae Kluka Harper; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his beloved father, Lawrence Rudolph Kluka.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Catholic Church in Albany, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the parish hall from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The Mass, officiated by Fr. Paul Gros, will follow in St. Margaret Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to The of Hospice of Baton Rouge, as well as several exceptional providers/ family friends. Special 'thank yous' go to nurses Jennifer Johnson and Lisa Gauthier, as well as Stacy Howard, Clinical Liaison, for their heartfelt care and compassion during this difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge, so they may continue caring for patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Please call: (225)767-4673 or log on: https://www.hospicebr.org/pages/donate

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home. Special 'thank you' to Whitney.