Craven Leroy Kleve

Craven L. Kleve, age 89 of Ocheyedan, IA died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 24th at United Methodist Church in Ocheyedan, IA, with Rev. Douglas Harding officiating. Burial will follow at Ocheyedan Township Cemetery in Ocheyedan. Visitation will be Friday, January 23rd from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Craven Leroy Kleve was born June 7, 1919 at the family farm in Wilson Township, Osceola County, Iowa, the son of Fred and Anne (Jurgens) Kleve. He was raised on a farm two miles north of Allendorf, IA. He attended Wilson #6 school. After his education he remained with his parents and helped with the day to day operation of the farm. In 1939, he and his family moved to a farm north west of Ocheyedan, IA. On February 16, 1942 he entered the U.S. Navy where he served on various vessels abroad. On November 21, 1942, while home on leave from the service, Craven was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Bustad in South Sioux City, NE. He remained serving his country until his honorable discharge on October 26, 1945. He returned to his wife and the family farm, where he farmed and milked cows the majority of his life, especially proud of his Black Angus cattle. He also did some bar tending at 9 - 59 night club. In the early years of their marriage they enjoyed attending special gatherings with friends on Saturday night and later in life he enjoyed harvesting with Dan Hartwig and running a grain cart. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ocheyedan, a charter member of the William F. Allard Post #7373 V.F.W. in Sibley, and the Wood-Miller Post #326 American Legion in Ocheyedan. He held many offices and past commander of both. He enjoyed attending his childrens events, playing Billiards, fishing trips with his sons and running the grill during backyard gatherings and spending time with grandkids and great-grandkids. He also enjoyed many military reunions, traveling all over the U.S. In March of 1985 Cravens wife Carolyn died, after 42 years of marriage. Craven continued farming with his sons and in 1995 was invited to the Iowa Armed Guard meeting where he was honored and presented the Russian Medal The 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War recognizing his courage and personal contribution to the Allied support of Russia during her fight for freedom against Nazi Germany. In 2003, Craven became a resident at Country View Manor in Sibley. Known for his strong will, he has left a lasting impression with the staff and residence and credited for the new and improved meat loaf recipe. This past Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Craven died at Country View Manor in Sibley at the age of 89. He is survived by six children: Greg (wife, Pam) Kleve of Omaha, NE, Jeff (wife, Carol) Kleve of Ocheyedan, IA, Mike (wife, Janet) Kleve of Ocheyedan, Gary (wife, Linda) Kleve of Ocheyedan, Karen (husband, Craig) Thu of Ruthven, IA and Kathy (husband, Jim) Wiersma of Sibley; fifteen grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren; special friend, Twyla Moody of Sibley, IA; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Bustad of Woodward, IA and Patricia Bustad of Palm Desert, CA; three brothers-in-law, Bob Huisenga of Sibley, IA, Vern (wife, Ann) Bustad of Ranchero Mirage, CA and Jake (wife, Thelma) Bustad of Cherokee Village, AK; and many other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anne Kleve; wife, Carolyn Kleve; and two brothers, Art and Carl Kleve.