John Abraham Cleven (“Jack”) was called home by his Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 6th, 2018. John was born to Christ & Frances (Vercauteren) Cleven February 12, 1934 on the family farm in Oneida, WI. Jack was proud of his humble beginnings, raised on a small dairy farm, including the work ethic it instilled in him.
He attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School in Oneida, WI and attended Seymour High School. Jack served his country in the US Army 9th Infantry Division, Company A, and 60th Infantry Regiment during active duty & reserves from 1956 to 1962. Jack was stationed in Korea during part of his active duty.
Jack was especially proud of being selected as a member of the Honor Guard where he greeted dignitaries and marched in civic celebrations. Upon leaving active service, Jack received training in operating heavy equipment and later drove a ready mix truck for Schabo Ready Mix. Jack subsequently partnered with Jim Fischer, founding Cleven & Fischer Inc
He then went on to establish his own company, Jack Cleven Inc. and was later joined by his son, Michael. On July 19, 1961 he married Jane Brick at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oneida, WI. Jack is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Deborah (Todd) Boelter; twin sons, Gregory (Julianne) & Brian (Rebecca); daughter, Carrie and a son, Michael (Rachel); seven grandchildren, Monica (Aaron) Hanson, Matthew (Jen) Boelter, John (Katie) Cleven, Katherine Cleven (Mitch Huebner), Edward, Emily, and Elliott Cleven; two great-grandchildren (a third arriving January 2019); sister, Dorothy Heezen and brother, Daniel; sisters-in-law, Joyce Cleven, Joyce Ann (Jim) Adamski, Sarah (Larry) Cleven; brothers-in-law, John (Kay) Brick and Carl Wagner.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his In-laws, Elmer and Valita Brick; his siblings, Lloyd, Gerald, David, William, Jeanette VanLanen and Joan Wagner. Jack reflected the love & light of Christ to his children, grand-children, great-grand-children and the many other lives he touched. He was a generous, caring, kind, hardworking man respected by all.
Jack was a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. Visitation will be at the Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI from 3 PM to 7 PM Monday December 10th and at St. John EV Lutheran Church N. 3505 State Road 47, Appleton, WI Tuesday December 11th from 9 AM to 10:45 AM, with a Christian funeral service at 11 AM followed by Military Honors. Memorial gifts may be directed to St John EV Lutheran Church or Fox Valley Lutheran H.S. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”.
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