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Michael Van Doren Obituary

Lt. Colonel USAF (Ret.) Michael was born on May 24, 1963 at Patrick AFB, Florida to Richard and Alice Van Doren and passed away March 8, 2011 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was a loving son, husband, father, leader and educator. Mike bettered the lives of all he touched. This fact encompassed his entire life between high school wrestling, his 22 year Air Force career and his 25 year marriage. Through the course of his life he exemplified the purest form of honor and integrity. He kept his promises and stood for what was right regardless of any risk to his own life or career. Michael Van Doren was loved by many, and a hero to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra "Kay" Van Doren; daughter, Jennifer Garner; son, Michael Van Doren, II, his parents, Rick & Alice Van Doren and brother, Charles "Chuck" Van Doren and his grandchildren, Brittney and Braiden Garner. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 4:00PM-7:00PM at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Avenue. A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held Monday, March 14, 2011, 10:00AM at The Springs Funeral Services with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Mar. 9 to Mar. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Van Doren

Not sure what to say?





John Fleming

February 21, 2022

We are coming up on 11 years since Mike's passing. Mike and I knew each other in HS. As you do, you share memories and eventually move on about your life. I didn't hear of Mike's passing until recently.

My strongest memory of Mike was this: a mutual friend had an extra Styx ticket. It found its way to me. Mike had found out that I did not know of any of Styx' previous albums. This was not ok. As Mike said, you will not appreciate the concert unless you know all of their music. Shortly there after, he had given me all of his albums to listen too. He was right, the concert was great and knowing all the songs made it better.

To all of his family and friends, prayers to each of you.

Bri Grace VanDoren

March 12, 2021

You make me proud.

Lin Dehning

March 15, 2011

I shared a tent with Mav (and several others) in Pakistan. In just that small portion of my life I found Mav to be one of most professional, caring, upstanding individuals that I have ever met. He didn't just lead, he inspired. He was the kind of guy that made those around him want to be better people. May God bless you, and guide you through this time of sorrow.

Clark Baker SD Lawenforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

March 14, 2011

I got to know Mav when I was overseas..What a great guy and he was a tremendous help to me to get the job done..I will never forget him meeting me at Moody AFB when I finally got back from overseas with a cold beer..what a guy. I will truly miss him..

March 13, 2011

Kay and family,
You only know me through my daughter Amy Gray who works at Edge Rehab. We have spoken often about your family and what you were going through. Amy has told me what a brave, good person he was and how special all of you are to her. You have my sincere sympathy in his loss.
Theresa Wolfe

Eric and Janet Lorraine

March 11, 2011

Kay and family -
We are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was a great man that will be missed by many from his extended AF family. We have fond memories of our time spent together at Moody AFB. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. will pray for you

Mike Burke

March 11, 2011

Kay & Family,
I knew "MAV" from our days in Hawaii. He was a great guy, officer & friend. He will be missed.

Diane Bandow

March 10, 2011

We at Troy University grieve with you, Mike was a great colleague. Our heart-felt condolences to your family from the TROY family.

Lena Haskell

March 10, 2011

Van Doren Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you.

Chip LeDonne

March 9, 2011

Kay, Jennifer, and Michael

Mike was a truly inspirational man. He made all those around him better. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Chip LeDonne

March 9, 2011

Kay, Jennifer, and Michael,

Mike was a truly inspirational man. He made all those around him better. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Steven Dunning

March 9, 2011

Kay and family ,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From the Dunning family

Glenn and Linda Waugh

March 9, 2011

Kay and family,

We were so sorry to see that Mike had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. If you need anything, just call.

Larry Parthum

March 9, 2011

Our prayers will be with you as you mourn the loss of a great man

DALE HITCHCOCK

March 9, 2011

To the Van Dorens, Lt Col Van Doren will be missed and remembered forever. May God comfort you and your family.
Dale Hitchcock (Nellis AFB, NV)

David & Tracie Fotter

March 9, 2011

Mrs. Van Doren (Kay) & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We're deeply sorry for your loss and truly blessed to have served with Lt. Col Van Doren at Moody AFB.

Allen Snyder

March 9, 2011

I am deeply sorry for your lose. Our prayers are with your family.
Allen Dean Snyder

David Cromer

March 9, 2011

Mrs Van Doren,

Sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great commander. I know he will be missed. I was the man he bought chicken from at Moody AFB.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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