Milan VanKleeck

A man with a smile on his face… always. Milan ""Mike/Van"" Roswell VanKleeck, entered this world on June 18, 1920 in the small Iowa town of Bassett. He was raised on a farm by his father Burle and mother Claribel, where he became quite adept at farming, agriculture, raising livestock, machinery and mechanical repairs, and construction. He met his sweetheart, Arlene (DeBettignies), at a neighboring farm during an oat threshing event. She later became his wife and that beautiful union celebrated 70 happy years of togetherness last October. Mike made many lifetime friendships while serving in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist's Mate Second Class during WWII. What a gentleman and a friend to all. He never met a stranger and he always had a smile on his face. Mike was also an arborist and ran his own company, Van's Tree Service in Charles City, Iowa. In 1963 he moved his family to Denver, Colorado where he worked and retired from DC Trucking. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and Honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. This gentle, full of love, and overly generous man fathered five daughters, Sheryl Sadler, Sandra (Dave) Thompson, Sue (Dave) Hiegel, Kathlyn (Jimi) Ruck, Jr., Linda (Lee) Valverde, and one son James. Loving Grandfather and teacher to Shain, Shelley, Corinne, Stacey, Laurie, JerriLynn, Ami, Carly, Nate, Kallie, Devon, Lindsay, Dylan, Rod, Julie, Michelle, Chris, Matt, Andy (T), Tracy, and Andy (R). Loving Great-Grandfather to Matthew, Madison, Grace, Faith, Darian, Henry, Brittany, Kara, Jessie, Ashley, Corey, Kole, Koen, Gehrig, Alfie, Stevie, and Morgan. Great-Great Grandfather to Xavara and Jace. After 92 years on earth, Mike passed peacefully on February 22, under the tender care of Evercare Hospice and was surrounded by family throughout his final journey. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Burle and Claribel VanKleeck, his siblings, Garland VanKleeck and Shirley (VanKleeck) Marvin, and his only son James Milan VanKleeck. There will be a Visitation on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 7:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church, 2559 South Federal Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80219. Funeral Mass is on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:30 AM also at All Saints Catholic Church. Entombment is at Mount Olivet Cemetery on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 12:00 PM with a reception following at All Saints Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Mike's memory to: Evercare Hospice of Denver, 6455 Yosemite St. 6th Floor, Englewood, Co 80111. Please share memories of Mike and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below.