Clarence E. Cleaveland

CLEAVELAND, Clarence E. 3/8/1932 – 12/26/2019 Age 87 years of Omaha Clarence was born to Edgar and Sophia Cleaveland on March 8, 1932 in a farm home in the Timber Creek area near Belgrade, Ne. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Timber Creek, Ne. He entered eternal life on December 26, 2019 at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Ne. with family at his side. Clarence attended school as a boy in Belgrade, Ne and worked on the farm until his family moved to Central City, Ne. in 1951. Always a hard worker, he was employed with the Nebraska State Park Service until 1952 when he was inducted in the U.S. Army. Clarence deployed to Korea and served as a firefighter in the port city area of Busan (formerly Pusan), Korea until he was discharged in October 1954. Clarence and Clara Belle Colby were married on May 29, 1955 in Clarks, Ne. and established their home in Omaha, Ne. Together they welcomed 3 sons, Ronald in March 1957, David in January 1960, and Gerald in April 1961. Clarence worked hard from a very young age until his health began to deteriorate in 2011. He was proud of his more than 50 years as a Union Brick Mason in Omaha where he constructed several churches, schools, apartment complexes, and shopping centers. Clarence took considerable pride in the many custom fireplaces he built around Omaha and never tired of pointing out the buildings that he had helped build. With Clara at his side, Clarence enjoyed outdoor activities such as traveling and camping. He took pride in maintaining his yard and a collection of beautiful roses. The couple served as Campground Hosts at Louisville State Park for several years after his retirement in 1992. Clarence was active in Benson Legion Post 112 and was a current member of Bennington Post 266. He enjoyed his leadership role in both Cub Scouts Pack 12 and Boy Scout Troop 7 in the Benson area. Clarence was a long-time member (50 years) of River of Life (formerly Bethany) Lutheran Church where he enjoyed ushering and participating in Trunk-or-Treat. Clarence will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and congregation. He will be remembered as a faithful servant to God and his country. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Sophia (Blankemeier) Cleaveland, sisters Alvera McIntire, Lavern Colby, and Elise Mace, and brother Earl Cleaveland. His memory will live on through his wife, Clara (Colby) of 64 years; sons: Ron of Omaha; David (Janie) of Omaha; Gerald (LeeAnn) of Marcola, OR; grandson: Collin of Omaha; many beloved nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, and his loyal dog Pepper. Visitation: Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 from 5-7:00pm at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) Celebration of Clarence’s Life: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 at 10:00am at River of Life (formerly Bethany) Lutheran Church (5151 NW Radial HWY) Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Church Braman Mortuary – 72 St. Chapel 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE68114 402-391-2171