Jeff William Collaer

Mr. Jeff William Collaer, aged 59, died on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, at his home in Newaygo, Michigan surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on January 8, 1963, in Kansas City, Missouri to Glenn and Lois Collaer.  Jeff married Rebecca (Johnson) Collaer, his high school sweetheart, on November 26, 1988, in Oregon, Illinois. 

Jeff and Rebecca lived in several states throughout their marriage. In each location, they made incredible, lifelong friends, with their Christian faith serving as their cornerstone. Jeff and Rebecca attended and served at Harvest Fremont Church.  The most important aspect of Jeff’s life was his Christian faith, and he was a humble servant leader for Christ.  He taught many Sunday school classes and worked in children’s ministries throughout his life.  He was a devoted husband and father and gave selflessly to his family. Some of his favorite moments were spent camping, going on simple walks through the woods, boating on inland lakes, and fellowshipping with loved ones across the dinner table. In addition to traveling across the United States, Jeff and Rebecca had the opportunity to travel internationally together, with one of their favorite destinations being Germany.

Professionally, Jeff was a passionate Physical Therapist who helped so many patients and students over his long career.  He was a talented teacher in his craft, inspiring several students to pursue the profession. It was not uncommon for him to be found helping neighbors and friends with their physical aches and pains in his personal time.  

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca (Johnson) Collaer, and their four children: Jacob (Alena) Collaer, Rachel Collaer, Benjamin (Olivia) Collaer and Samuel (Marissa) Collaer, his sisters, Kristina (Richard) Ruffini of Michigan and Marcia Collaer of Vermont, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Lois Collaer and sister Mary Beth Villarreal-Collaer. 

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Harvest Fremont. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, and from 10-11 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at church.  Burial will be at the Garfield Township Cemetery in Garfield Township, Michigan.  Memorials can be made to The Jeff Collaer Nursing Scholarship Fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation.  You may sign the online guestbook at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. 

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