Stuart Leonard Kaaren

Stuart was born and raised in New York City and served in the US Marine Corps from 1943-1946. He was assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and saw action during the historic WWII battles of Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian islands. He was intensely proud of his service of his country and attended many reunions and USMC birthday celebrations.

Upon his honorable discharge and with the GI Bill, he chose to attend Baker University, in Baldwin, Kansas. Stuart graduated from Baker with a Bachelors of Arts in Science in 1949 and stayed to continue work toward his Master of Arts degree, which he completed at New York University in 1952. While at Baker, he met and married Jane Kunkel, his children's mother, on February 2, 1950.

Stuart taught in the Denver Public School system for a total of 34 years, beginning in 1951 at Merrill Junior High and then at Abraham Lincoln High School in the Science department for over two decades. He was always pleased when remembered and warmly greeted by former students.

He enjoyed good health in his retirement and was busy with numerous interests, organizations and activities. These included travel, American Civil War and WWII history, reading, music, entertaining and volunteering at Swedish Hospital and the then Denver Symphony Orchestra. Stuart was a longtime member of the Denver Ports of Call travel club and later traveled extensively by car, plane and ship, both domestically and internationally.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Elks Club and Denver Shrine.

Having lived through such turbulent and historic times, he was truly a member of The Greatest Generation.

Stuart will be fondly remembered by his family, many friends and former students.

Stuart is survived by his daughter, Laura Kaaren (Erik) van de Ven, son Paul, grandchildren Isaac and Lexa Kaaren, Denver and niece, Jill Gray Klingher, New York.

A graveside service will held at 1030, Friday, January 3, 2019, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area B. A reception to follow.