Obituary

Micheal Klebert Bourlard, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home in Mission Viejo, CA.

Micheal was born in Bicknell, Indiana on May 18, 1948. He moved to California in 1964 and shortly thereafter joined the Navy. He was stationed on a frigate off the Southern coast of Vietnam, and he received medals of service from both the United States and Vietnamese governments. In his early twenties, Micheal set his roots in Los Angeles and began a long career in the textile industry as a California sales representative for Stanley Looms, located in New York City. Micheal moved to Mission Viejo in 1978 to work at Hoffman California Fabrics, where he served as the General Manager until his retirement in 2020. Micheal’s position at Hoffman brought him in contact with customers across the United States and all over the world, many of whom became lifelong friends. From Denmark to New Zealand and Australia, Micheal surely had a friend to greet him at every port. When his treasured customers-turned-friends came to California to visit, he insisted on hosting them at his beautiful home. Micheal had an eye for beauty and aesthetic, and he enjoyed collecting treasures from his worldly travels. Micheal took great pride in his career and his Mission Viejo home. He was renowned for his joy—and skill—for entertaining. He was an impeccable host, and his exquisite cooking and doting on his friends and family made everyone feel special.

Micheal converted to Catholicism in 2014 and was a member of St. Kilian’s parish in Mission Viejo. He was part of a robust circle of life-long friends in the Mission Viejo community and surroundings. He is survived by his devoted companion of 50 years, Frank Dome, his brother Dennis Bourlard of Trafalgar, Indiana, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Georgiana.

Those who know and love Micheal remember him for his quick wit (always delivered with an unmistakable Indiana twang), his legendary Pineapple Upside-Down cake, and his warmhearted affection for his companion Frank, his friends, and his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Kilian’s Church, located at 26872 Estanciero Drive in Mission Viejo. A reception for friends and family will follow at Micheal and Frank’s home, located at 24442 Spartan Street.

Micheal’s funeral Mass can also be viewed live or later at any time at https://youtube.com/live/ry9U3B8pTmc?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family requests masses in Micheal’s remembrance at Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception in Santa Paula (Attn: Father Tom Dome; https://cricusa.com/) or St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo (https://www.stkilianmissionviejo.org/).