McKlveen, Joseph Little – 1913-2006

GOODWIN, GREEN, JONES, LITTLE, MCKLVEEN, NISSEN

Posted By: Donna Sloan Rempp (email)
Date: 7/27/2016 at 12:47:55

Services Held
Services for Joseph Little McKlveen were held May 24, 2006 at Prairie City United Methodist Church. Interment was at Waveland Cemetery.

Joseph Little McKlveen, 92, died at his home in Prairie City on May 22, 2006.

Memorials may be made to the Prairie City United Methodist Church or to the Grinnell College Athletic Department.

He was born November 18, 1913, in Prairie City to John Henry and Florence Little McKlveen. He graduated from Prairie City High School in 1931 and from Grinnell College in 1935, and then returned to Prairie City to join his father in the lumber business. As president of J. H. McKlveen & Company and McKlveen & Sons, Inc., he expanded the enterprises of these companies into home construction and fence building. Joe always treated his customers with fairness and integrity.

In 1938 he married Louise Goodwin of Baxter, whom he had met at Grinnell, and remained a devoted husband to her during their 68 years of marriage.
He willingly volunteered his time for many community organizations, including the Prairie City United Methodist Church, the Prairie City School Board, the Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Prairie City Fire Department. He was also active in the trade organizations of his business and held many state, regional, and national offices, including president of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association in 1972. He was especially effective working with the state and national legislature on matters of importance to small businesses. Joe was an accomplished athlete in high school and college. He ran for Grinnell at the Drake Relays and has since been an enthusiastic spectator with many of his family members. He enjoyed watching his children participate in athletic and musical events. After retirement he spent many afternoons with friends on the golf course. Joe was a kind, generous, and dignified man who showered his children and grandchildren with unconditional love and affection.

He is survived by his wife, his brother John H (Ruth) McKlveen, Jr., of Des Moines, his five children: William (Jacki) of Boise, Idaho, Thomas (Nancy) of Des Moines, Mary Jo (Mark) Nissen of Edina, Minnesota, Richard (Kristen) of Prairie City, and Robert (Ellen Jones) of Edina, Minnesota; his cousin Fred A. (Erica) Little, a daughter-in-law Barbara McKlveen, a sister in law, Judy Green and three nieces and one nephew. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, James.
Source: Monroe Legacy; 25 May 2006