Father Michael James Klauck, 64, passed away Feb. 19 after a long illness in his home in Boaz. He was born the 4th child of Jacob (Jack) Klauck and Mary Reiss Klauck in Denver, Colorado on Feb. 9, 1961. He was one of seven children. He is survived by five siblings and many nieces and nephews.  Originally a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word for a brief time, he then embraced the diocesan priesthood. Father Klauck was ordained on June 4, 1994, in Birmingham by Bishop David Foley, and with the permission of the bishops through the years, lived the life of a hermit. Father Klauck was known for his kind disposition, his special devotion for First Friday Mass, and was an ardent pro-life advocate. He loved animals and had a special devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and the Blessed Virgin Mary. His funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 7, the first Friday of March, at the Cathedral of St. Paul at 10 a.m. Visitation will be from 9–10 a.m. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.