Barbara Ellen Pfluegl, 86, of Waukegan, IL passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Vista Medical Center East.

She was born on December 14, 1934 to Harold and Ruth (Cliff) Beeson in Waukegan, IL. Barbara had a very full life, starting as a ballerina and traveling by train to the City of Chicago to study with George Balenchine, the father of American Ballet, and counted among her dance partners, Pat Morita of “Karate Kid” fame and Robert Clary, also known as Corporal LeBeau in the 1960’s television show “Hogan’s Heroes”. Prior to meeting and marrying her husband Paul Pfluegl, she dated singer Tony Bennett.  She went on to study and become a psychiatric nurse helping many people throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, David Franz, Brian (Leslie) Franz, and Julianna Pfluegl; her grandchildren, Tamara Franz, Morgan Franz, Tarah Franz, Jordan Franz, Michael Robbins, and Ashley Franz; and her great-grandchildren, Samara Castro, Makaio Connell Franz, Julian Rosales, Federico Antonio Robbins, Michael Robbins, and Lyah Robbins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents; and her sisters, Rhea Jean Henkel and Diane Carlson.

Services will be private.

Warren Funeral Home and Cemetery is assisting the family.