Michael William van Maarth

Michael William van Maarth, 75, was called home to Heaven on January 23, 2025, at the Medical Center of Aurora after a brief illness. The wonderful care team at MCA did everything they could think of but were unsuccessful, proving that the only thing stronger than a stubborn Norwegian is God Almighty. Mike was born to Robert (Bob) van Maarth, Sr., and June (Jackson) van Maarth on October 16, 1949, in Long Beach, California. He was the youngest of two children. Mike was raised for much of his childhood in La Puente, California, where he and his older brother, Bob Jr., would get into BB gun fights with the neighborhood kids.

While still a child, Mike’s family moved to Lakewood, Colorado, where his father was a contractor for NASA and the US Military as a machinist. He attended Manning Junior High School and Wheat Ridge High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. His high school football team won Colorado State Championships in 1966 and 1967, and ranked 10th and 3rd in the nation, respectively. Mike served as the team captain of the 1967 Wheat Ridge Farmers football team during his senior season. Mike was also an accomplished wrestler, winning the District Championship. 

Mike exemplified the definition of hard work. He attended Colorado State University and played on the football team for one season. He later transferred to Mesa Junior College but sustained an injury that ended his playing career. He finally attended the University of Northern Colorado. He had many jobs throughout his youth, beginning with a neighborhood bicycle newspaper route as a child in Lakewood, mining with dynamite on what would become the Eisenhower Tunnel, logging in the mountains, bartending at The Library Bar near UNC, and lugging beef on the night shift at Montfort Feedlots while attending school in Greeley. 

Mike was a loving husband. In Greeley, he met Kathy Lengel of Burlington, Colorado, when he tagged along with a friend who was the only person who could get Kathy’s pet alligator to eat. Mike and Kathy were married on August 19, 1972. They lived in Denver for two years where he worked as a salesman for the Terry Crocker Company before moving to Burlington in 1974. They purchased the Dairy Queen restaurant from Kathy’s parents, Ben and Ruby Lengel. Mike and Kathy owned and operated the Burlington Dairy Queen for over 25 years, employing hundreds of Burlington’s citizens. They also built the Dairy Queen in Fort Morgan, Colorado, before selling the restaurant shortly afterward. During this time, Mike also served on the Burlington City Council during the development of the Old Town Museum. Mike was also an investor and partial owner of several out-of-town businesses. Later, Mike transitioned into a new career as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Burlington. He eventually started American Financial before finally retiring. Although Mike was a successful businessman, he rarely spent money on his own needs, preferring to give gifts and care for others. When development threatened to interrupt the peaceful home of his father- and mother-in-law, Mike purchased the empty lot adjacent to their home. The property sat vacant for several years. After Ben and Ruby passed away, Mike built Eastside Trailer Park on the property with his sons, which still operates today.

Mike was a fantastic father. He and Kathy raised three sons, Eric, Ryan, and Chad. They raised their family in Burlington and enjoyed recreational activities like snow skiing, boating on Bonny Lake, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He was active in his church community at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he practiced his quiet but strong faith. Mike loved sports and enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos. He loved economics, music, politics, hunting, and his 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible, but most of all he loved his family. Mike taught his children many life lessons and skills they will carry with them.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy; his sons, Eric (Francie), Ryan (Heather), and Chad van Maarth; his grandchildren, Olivia and Anders van Maarth; his brother, Bob Jr. (Marilyn); and nephews and nieces, Robin, Kurt, Erin, Nathan, Jason, Kalyn, and their families, along with friends from around the nation. 

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Bob Sr. and June van Maarth; infant daughter, Kristen van Maarth; father- and mother-in-law, Ben and Ruby Lengel; and many friends.

Mike will be missed more than he probably ever knew.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.