Gina Parks Klco, 78, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, after many months of dealing with complications of dementia. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Robert and Jane Kraft on September 28, 1947. She graduated from East Lansing High School and Michigan State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1969. She worked for over 30 years at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Gina enjoyed making quilts, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, and cheering for the Michigan State Women’s Basketball team with her husband, Gene (Go Green!). She was an avid rock hunter and found peace in walking the Lake Michigan beaches. Gina was dedicated to her children and grandchildren, and they were a source of pride and joy for her. She loved spending time up north at the cottage, relaxing and being surrounded by her cottage “family”. Gina was close to her friends from the DNR and they enjoyed many cookie days, nights out, and Girls Weekends together. She loved dogs – especially her golden retriever, Emma. She was dedicated to her church, St. John Church and Student Center, and helped for years with the Catholic initiation program and Mass coordination for weddings and funerals.
Gina is survived by her husband, Gene; sons, Steven (Maya) Parks and Eric Parks; step-daughters, Becky (Steve) Morey, Amy Klco, and Brianna (Will) Coburn; step-son, Peter (Ima) Klco; grandchildren, Allie and Sam Parks, Jim and Jeff Morey, Serra and Liam Barr, Zaya Klco, and Wills and Teddy Coburn; and a wonderful extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tim, and sister-in-law, Pearl.
Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, on December 1, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Rosary being said at 6:30 pm.
The funeral Mass will take place at St. John Catholic Church & Student Center, 327 MAC Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, on December 2, 2025, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until the start of Mass.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff at The Willows of East Lansing and Elara Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care during the past few months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Church and Student Center at 327 MAC Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823 or the MSU Women’s Basketball Spartan Fund at 550 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Make checks to Spartan Fund-Women’s Basketball.
