Michael Francis Claar, 66, passed into the waiting arms of his Jesus on January 3, 2018. He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 35 years and a former Michigan resident as well. He taught language arts in Fennville, Michigan for seven years and then continued to teach at Janitell Junior High in Widefield District 3 here in the Springs for the next 30 years.
Our husband and dad was born on April 17, 1951, in Coldwater, Michigan, to his mother,
Alice (Stark) Claar, who preceded him in death, and to his father, Virgil Claar, who is still living in Florida. On December 29, Mike married a fellow theatre aficionado and
Michigander, Ann Louise Hunn. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Mike received his Master’s Degree in teaching in 1974.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Ann, of 44 years and their children Amy and Joe Torrans, Scott Claar, James Claar, Elisabeth and Vicente Murillo, and Julia Claar. His brothers Larry, Tom, Steve, and sister Vikki also still live in Michigan and Florida.
Growing up in Union City, Michigan, Mike loved playing “Wipe-Out” on his personal drum set and in the band at Union City High School where he was also a drum major for three years. Besides appearing in different high school plays such as SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Mike also enjoyed meeting his gang of friends at Fabiano’s for food and fun.
A faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, Mike accompanied his family to Mesa Hills Bible Church for over 30 years where he served as a clerk and deacon, taught Sunday School, and participated in numerous drama ventures. He loved to drive, travel, and camp with his family in their pop-up camper on summer excursions to Michigan. Mike was also a loyal Broncos’ fan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mesa Hills Bible Church, 615 Uintah, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20 where a reception will follow in the adjacent Toppin Building. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mesa Hills Bible Church Missions’ Fund.