obit-father-michael.jpg Father Michael Clarahan, OFM, of the Franciscan Friars of Sacred Heart Province, died Dec. 30 in Springfield, age 79.

He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, son of the late James and Irene Striegle Clarahan. He was a Franciscan friar for 57 years and a Franciscan priest for 50 years.

Father Michael spent a year as chaplain and instructor at Maryville College in St. Louis. He then began a 29-year career as a chaplain for the United States Air Force, retiring in 1990 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his military career, he served in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, the Philippines, Vietnam and many other countries. His final duty was ministering to the men and women of Desert Storm as they returned from combat.

In addition to his parents, Father Michael was preceded in death by three sisters, Marian Tenerelli, Marguerite Katoski and Eileen Gross. He is survived by his sister Rita Piniotti of Toledo, Ohio; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and by his Franciscan family of Sacred Heart Province.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 3 at the Mayslake Village Chapel in Oak Brook. Burial was in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Province for the care of elder Franciscan brothers and priests.

Staab Funeral Home, Springfield, was in charge of arrangements.