Michael James Cleveland
1949 - 2022 (72 years)Obituary
Michael James Cleveland, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Mike was born September 12, 1949 in Appleton, WI, the son of Orville “Bud” and Joan (Lamers) Cleveland. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1967. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.
On September 11, 1993 he married Sally (Hoffman) Ronk in Kaukauna, WI. They created a blended family and spent 28 wonderful years together. He coached youth bowling at The Bowling Bar in Kaukauna for many years and enjoyed supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance competitions, and involvement in scouting.
Mike was an accomplished amateur photographer. He most enjoyed photographing landscapes and wildlife, especially eagles and osprey. He and Sally made several trips to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Seney National Wildlife Refuge in Upper Michigan. He was “in his element” with a camera in his hand.
Music was Mike’s passion and love. He archived thousands of songs and enjoyed sharing his music with family and friends. He really loved classic acoustic guitar, piano, jazz, and his favorite artists, Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Phil Collins, and Simon and Garfunkel.
Mike will be remembered as an eternal optimist with a quirky smile and easy laugh. He cheered for the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and Bucks. He was often vocal in his critical review of any questionable officiating or umpiring.
Mike’s wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his world. He was a kind and gentle man who taught his family to value the simple things in life—a beautiful sunset, a soaring eagle, or a favorite song. Mike lived his life by loving literally everyone he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Sally; Children Sean (Kristina) Cleveland and Tiffany Cleveland; step-children Becki (Curt) Hietpas and Robert Ronk; grandchildren, Cody and Conner Goodman, Kaden, Madelyn, and Jaxon Cleveland, Olivia, Evan, and Alec Hietpas; siblings, Pat (Barb) Cleveland, Peggy (Steve) VandeHey, Terri (Arden) Bolland, and Suzanne (Jack) Klein, sister-in-law Kris Cleveland; his in-laws, Sara (Bill) Benz, and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Joan, in-laws Arnold and Arlene Hoffman, and his brother Tom.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel—St. Mary’s site, 119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna, WI. Visitation from 9-11 a.m. prior to service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
| Owner/Source | Verkuilen Funeral Home |
| Date | 12 Nov 2022 |
| Linked to | Michael James Cleveland |