Obituary of Michael Maar

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Michael Maar, our family’s beloved patriarch. Although he won his first battle with cancer ten years ago, (to the astonishment of his doctors), a second victory was not to be. 

Michael (Mike) was born in Yugoslavia and immigrated to the United States as a child. He grew up in Cleveland and joined the US Army at the age of 21. Mike deployed to Vietnam with the 196^th Infantry Brigade, (LRRP) Detachment (Airborne), and was eventually merged into the 75th Ranger Regiment. He then served as a military policeman for the remaining 22 years of his active duty service. He retired with the rank of 1st Sergeant in 1986. 

Following his military retirement he became a Real Estate Broker and worked in this profession along with his wife for another 33 years.  During this time he met friends from all walks of life, many that remain close even today. 

In his free time he would go fishing, ski, enjoy road trips, take his boat out, or would ride the open road on his Harley. He watched archeological documentaries and enjoyed photography. He also loved music. His favorite tunes included country music greats and Motown hits, although he had a large and diverse music collection. 

He had a soft spot for animals and over the years he had several types of birds, fish, cats, and always a dog. Although the pets all had lovely names, all of them had the same nickname, “Baby”. 

Mike adored his wife and family. He had a great sense of humor and was not afraid to laugh at himself. His wife and grandkids also had nicknames, they were called “schatz” or “schatzie” (German for “treasure”). We will miss his guidance, encouragement, and all the fun times. 

The world has lost a man of great character, complexity, and a true inspiration, especially to those who knew him best. 

“Old soldiers never die – they just fade away.”

Gen. Douglas MacArthur

(from an old Army ballad)

Survivors include his wife, Gisela. Children, Carmen (Michael) Pollock, Kerry Maar and Michael Maar; grandchildren, Michelle (Brandon Brewer) Pollock, Jeanette Pollock, Corbin Tyrell, Blake Tyrell, Andrew Lawson and Ryan Ortiz; great grandchildren, Olivia Tyrell, Liam Ryan Ortiz, Derek Jordan Ortiz and Maddison Lawson; brothers, John Maar, Rudy Maar and Victor Maar; sisters, Mary Conrad and Annie Jewett and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Eric Maar.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 E Parker Rd, Parker, CO 80138. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 880 E Wolfensberger Rd, Castle Rock, CO 80109. Reception will follow at Trestles Coastal Cuisine, 880 West Happy Canyon Road, Castle Pines, CO 80108 at 2:00 pm.