Mike Evan Spolar

Mike Spolar, age 84, of Knoxville, died November 20, 2023. Military Honors will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home, 202 E. Washington St., Knoxville, Iowa. A celebration of life gathering for Mike will be held following the Military Honors until 12:00 p.m., and all are welcome to attend for a time of visiting with family and sharing memories of Mike.

Special thanks to Knoxville Hospital and Clinics and Dr. Ryan Laughlin. Memorials in Mike's name may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, 1701 E. Pleasant St., Knoxville, Iowa 50138.

Michael Evan Spolar was born July 27, 1939, the son of Tommy and Ferne Kissinger Spolar. He grew up in Melcher with his older brother, Tom, and graduated from Melcher High School in 1957. After graduation, he attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport. During this time, he was a member of the Iowa National Guard and served 2 years. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was able to serve with JAG as a court reporter until 1964.

After returning from the service, he received his teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State College in 1966. It was there he met the love of his life. He married Linda Clevenger on August 13, 1966. While his parents thought it took a long time for him to begin college, Linda wasn't sure if he would ever finish college! Learning was important to Mike as he returned to school in 1967 to eventually receive his Masters in Guidance and Counseling. He then attended Drake University to receive his Administrative Degree. He spent 28 years at Nell McGowan Junior High School in Knoxville. He enjoyed working with the youth of Knoxville throughout the years.

Mike had many many interests outside of work. He played saxophone in the Pella Band for 30 plus years. He enjoyed the saxophone and all types of music. Linda and Mike enjoyed going to the Des Moines Symphony concerts and had season tickets to the Civic Center where they enjoyed many productions. Mike also enjoyed working with model trains and built a very ornate model in his workshop complete with several trains, scenic models, and everything that made it complete.

When younger, Mike's father took him hunting, which he enjoyed, however, in later years he was more likely to feed the squirrels and birds and watch the deer rather than hunt them. He was an avid gun enthusiast, and he enjoyed going to the sportsman's club to target shoot, often taking Linda along. After retiring, his workshop was full of antique furniture that he restored. You would often see Mike cruising the town in one of his many convertibles.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Linda; his children: Karen Spolar and James "Chip" (Michelle) Spolar; three grandchildren: John, Andy, and Ava; his brother, Tom Spolar; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.