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

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Sioux Rapids American Legion. There will be a private family burial. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Dr. Rodney C. Kleaveland was born December 19, 1922 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa the son of Ingram and Hildreth (Covington) Kleaveland.

Rodney grew up in the Sioux Rapids community, graduating from Sioux Rapids High School in 1940. He continued his education at Iowa State University Veterinarian School where he was also a member of the Iowa State Equestrian Team and ROTC. Dr. Kleaveland graduated in 1944.

September 10, 1945, Dr. Kleaveland joined the United States Army. He proudly served 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 was united in marriage to Lydia Szic in Wels, Austria. Together they were blessed with two children, David and Debra.

After Lydia’s passing, Dr. Kleaveland married LaVonne Story in 1995.

Dr. Kleaveland spent his life as a licensed veterinarian for 67 years. He also was active in his community serving as a board member of the Little Sioux Golf and Country Club, Iowa Pork Producers, 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 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 to establishing the Little Sioux Golf and Country Club. He loved to be outdoors, whether it was fishing or boating. 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 was always wanting to learn something new. Most of all, Dr. Kleaveland loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

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

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

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