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Kleaveland, Rodney, DVM (1922-2015)

KLEAVELAND, COVINGTON, SZIC, STORY, CHINDLUND

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 6/5/2015 at 11:47:26

Dr. Rodney Kleaveland
December 19, 1922 - May 9, 2015

Dr. Rodney C. Kleaveland, age 92, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, died on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the Sioux Care Center in Sioux Rapids.

A son of Ingram and Hildreth (Covington) Kleaveland, Rodney was born on December 19, 1922, in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in Sioux Rapids, graduating from Sioux Rapids High School in 1940. Then, he continued his education at Iowa State University Veterinarian School where he, also, joined the Iowa State Equestrian Team and ROTC. Dr. Kleaveland graduated in 1944.

September 10, 1945, Dr. Kleaveland joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country as a First Class Lieutenant Meat and Dairy Inspector. He was honorably discharged on November 4, 1947.

On July 17, 1947, Dr. Kleaveland married Lydia Szic in Wels, Austria. Subsequently, they were blessed with two children, David and Debra. After Lydia’s passing, Dr. Kleaveland married LaVonne Story in 1995.

Dr. Kleaveland worked as a licensed veterinarian for sixty-seven years. Also active in his community, he served as a board member of the Little Sioux Golf and Country Club, the Iowa Pork Producers, the Iowa State University Extension, and the Buena Vista County Conservation Board for over twenty-five years. Dr. Kleaveland was a member of the Sioux Rapids American Legion and the Iowa State Veterinarian Association. He had worked as a Farm Manager since the late 1960s.

In his spare time, Dr. Kleaveland loved to spend time out on the golf course. He was instrumental in establishing the Little Sioux Golf and Country Club. Whether fishing or boating, he loved the outdoors. In addition, he took time to travel the world including trips to China, Africa, and Europe. Dr. Kleaveland liked to dance, read, play pool, and spend his winters in Texas. He, always, wanted to learn something new. Most of all, however, Dr. Kleaveland loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, his pride and joy.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, LaVonne Kleaveland, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; his son, David (Kathy) Kleaveland, of Pierre, South Dakota; his son-in-law, Jim Wischmeyer, of Webb, Iowa; his grandchildren: Beth Wischmeyer (boyfriend, Dan Fraser), of Webb, Iowa, Katie Wischmeyer (fiancé, Josh Chindlund), of Rembrandt, Iowa; his great-grandchildren, Lukas Chindlund, and “baby boy” on the way; his brothers: Justin (Kathy) Kleaveland, of Muskegon, Michigan, Dick (Sally) Kleaveland, of Spokane, Washington, and Jay Kleaveland, of Cape Canaveral, Florida; as well as extended family members and friends.

Dr. Kleaveland was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lydia; his daughter, Debra Wischmeyer; his daughter-in-law, Denise Kleaveland; and his sister-in-law, Rodi Kleaveland.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. A private family burial will follow. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2015, Sliefert Funeral Homes


 

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