MONROE - Longtime Monroe priest Rev. Mike Klarer, 62, died Sunday evening after a lifetime of dedication to his hometown.
Rev. Larry Bakke, successor to Klarer after his retirement in July 2011, had been friends with his fellow chaplain since the 1970s.
"He was very personable and well-liked, not just within the church but throughout the community," Bakke said. "He was loved in the community and was a generous contributor."
Klarer battled cancer for nine years after his diagnosis in 2007. Bakke said his friend approached his healing with a responsible diligence. Bakke said Klarer attended the VA Hospital for treatment with a "faith-filled positive attitude."
Klarer was born in Monroe, where he attended St. Victor School and Monroe High School before going on to Holy Name Seminary in Madison and St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Ordained on June 1, 1979 in Madison, Klarer received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy while attending Alliant University in San Diego. After serving as priest in parishes in both Sauk City and Madison, Klarer joined the United States Navy Chaplain Corps in 1989. He served as chaplain in Operation Desert Storm before he retired as a commander.
In 2002, Klarer returned to Monroe to serve as pastor of St. Victor/St. Clare of Assisi Parish. He was involved in organizations throughout the city. Klarer served as president on the Turner Hall board in which he promoted his Swiss heritage, something Bakke said his friend took great pride in. Klarer was also known for his creative abilities: He wrote an adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" that was performed by the Monroe Theatre Guild in 2009 and in following years.
A contribution which his friends said he performed subtly was to serve as the Monroe Fire Department chaplain. Deputy Chief Lane Heins said after Klarer returned to Monroe, the department was in need of a chaplain and offered the position to Klarer, who accepted.
Heins said Klarer had a unique perspective to bring to the department; his father, Emil, served as a firefighter.
"Father Mike was what we consider a 'firehouse kid,'" Heins said. "He knew that situation where Dad has to rush off because there was a fire. He knew what it was like for us. There's a lot of connection."
Klarer would counsel firefighters when calls effected them, but Heins said his presence would extend into personal counsel as well. Heins added that Klarer never called attention to himself, though he made sure to remain aware of the department's well-being at all times.
"He wasn't in the spotlight, but behind the scenes he always knew what was going on," Heins said. "He was a very easy-going, compassionate guy. It didn't matter if you were Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian. He got along with everybody."
Heins said the loss of Klarer will be felt throughout the community, but especially within the department.
"He always had a smile on his face," Heins said. "Father Mike just knew. I don't think anyone will be able to fill his shoes."
A Mass of Christian Burial will at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Victor Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 to10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rev. Larry Bakke, successor to Klarer after his retirement in July 2011, had been friends with his fellow chaplain since the 1970s.
"He was very personable and well-liked, not just within the church but throughout the community," Bakke said. "He was loved in the community and was a generous contributor."
Klarer battled cancer for nine years after his diagnosis in 2007. Bakke said his friend approached his healing with a responsible diligence. Bakke said Klarer attended the VA Hospital for treatment with a "faith-filled positive attitude."
Klarer was born in Monroe, where he attended St. Victor School and Monroe High School before going on to Holy Name Seminary in Madison and St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Ordained on June 1, 1979 in Madison, Klarer received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy while attending Alliant University in San Diego. After serving as priest in parishes in both Sauk City and Madison, Klarer joined the United States Navy Chaplain Corps in 1989. He served as chaplain in Operation Desert Storm before he retired as a commander.
In 2002, Klarer returned to Monroe to serve as pastor of St. Victor/St. Clare of Assisi Parish. He was involved in organizations throughout the city. Klarer served as president on the Turner Hall board in which he promoted his Swiss heritage, something Bakke said his friend took great pride in. Klarer was also known for his creative abilities: He wrote an adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" that was performed by the Monroe Theatre Guild in 2009 and in following years.
A contribution which his friends said he performed subtly was to serve as the Monroe Fire Department chaplain. Deputy Chief Lane Heins said after Klarer returned to Monroe, the department was in need of a chaplain and offered the position to Klarer, who accepted.
Heins said Klarer had a unique perspective to bring to the department; his father, Emil, served as a firefighter.
"Father Mike was what we consider a 'firehouse kid,'" Heins said. "He knew that situation where Dad has to rush off because there was a fire. He knew what it was like for us. There's a lot of connection."
Klarer would counsel firefighters when calls effected them, but Heins said his presence would extend into personal counsel as well. Heins added that Klarer never called attention to himself, though he made sure to remain aware of the department's well-being at all times.
"He wasn't in the spotlight, but behind the scenes he always knew what was going on," Heins said. "He was a very easy-going, compassionate guy. It didn't matter if you were Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian. He got along with everybody."
Heins said the loss of Klarer will be felt throughout the community, but especially within the department.
"He always had a smile on his face," Heins said. "Father Mike just knew. I don't think anyone will be able to fill his shoes."
A Mass of Christian Burial will at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Victor Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 to10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.