Cleve A. Malmstrom of Whitefish, Montana drowned while fly fishing on the Missouri River near Craig, Montana on a beautiful afternoon June 20, 2014 at almost age 42. Cleve was born June 24, 1972 in Billings, Montana to Marcia K. Wall and Donald N. Malmstrom Jr. He attended grade school in Rosebud, Gardiner and Helena; graduating from Helena High in 1990. He played football, basketball and ran track as a little kid and became an outstanding running back for the Bengals during his high school years. He also ran track all 4 years at HHS. Cleve went on to play college football for the Grizzlies for three years at the University of Montana. Oh yes, and his favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers! You could hear his yells above the rest when his Steelers were winning! His college years at UM were filled with sports, becoming a resident assistant and a tutor in math. Cleve majored in Pre-Physical Therapy, Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology. He also was the cadaver lab attendant for two years helping teach anatomy to other students. Cleve was a gifted student and talented athlete throughout his life!
After leaving UM, he pursued a career as an assistant golf pro and caddy; earning his PGA with ease! He worked at different golf courses throughout Oregon, Arizona and California. His favorite was Bandon Dunes in Oregon! He was an excellent teacher of golf technique! “Cradle the club like a baby; not a death grip Mom!”
Montana was always calling him home whereby he returned to the Flathead area in his 30’s and never left again. He was somewhat of a “gypsy” but maintained a home either in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Eureka or Kalispell. He loved the mountains but especially the blue ribbon fly fishing streams! Last year he floated his raft along with his faithful companions Deuce and Sydney (his labs), 350 miles of Montana rivers! His favorite was the “Mighty Mo” Missouri which he enjoyed fishing as a young boy that turned into a life-long adventure each summer!
Heroics ~ Cleve performed CPR on a heart attack victim in Missoula while attending college to save his life before paramedics arrived. On a vacation to Maui, he saved a young mother and baby trapped in a car while rising waters threatened them during a flash flood. He earned his wings many times. He was also gentle and kind to animals and saved many furry friends along his life journey. He loved animals more than humans and that was perfectly okay.
He did experience true love during high school, college and beyond but was always searching for the perfect outdoorsy woman that was a scratch golfer and enjoyed fly fishing and floating the Montana Rivers 350+ miles each summer! Well, hello?
Cleve lived life the way he wanted . . . his way! He worked hard at dealing cards in the Flathead so he could fly fish the next few weeks! It was a good life and he felt at peace with the rivers of Montana. “The Mighty Mo rocks my world,” is Cleve’s quote two weeks ago after fishing the Missouri for 3 days! “Heading to the Sun River next Thursday, can’t wait! I love Wolf Creek to Augusta/Cascade Triangle. It’s possibly the nicest land in America; had to be a lot of dinosaurs that lived in Craig.” His last text on June 17: “I’m pretty sure I’m on the Montana State fly fishing All Stars! Possibly U.S. or world too, but going pro would ruin it for me like Bobby Jones for golf! Not about the money, it’s about who really wants to be out here. The Sun River made me cry; it was so amazing! Thought about Jon and how his ashes were there. How much talent he had and how beautiful the land is! It overtakes your body. There were four waterfalls and all kinds of rapids! When it’s too hardcore for me, you know it’s the real deal! Great river momma!”
I will miss you more than words can express and I know you’re teaching fly fishing to someone that needed your help in Heaven! Shakespeare wrote “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Cleve gave his gift of fly fishing and golf to many who were part of his teaching journey and loved fiercely those who were in his inner circle. I thank my son for touching my life in a way that no one will ever do. He was a joy, had a great laugh and sense of humor along with an enormous heart! Cleve was highly intelligent and had a deep faith that wasn’t shared unlike his opinions on all subject matters!
Cleve is survived by his mother Marcia Wall, his stepfather Mike Wall of Canyon Creek and father Donald N. Malmstrom Jr. of Salem, Oregon. He leaves behind his sister Monique Malmstrom Bertram and his three nephews Cole, Kaden and Trey Bertram of Beaverton, Oregon and stepbrother Kevin Wall of Marysville. He has many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and close friends that will miss him forever! He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his great grandmother Betty, favorite Uncle Jon Malmstrom and his beloved chocolate lab Mocha (mother to 10 puppies that he raised by himself), Abner the toughest black lab that ever lived with 3 legs and Charlotte his yellow lab!
We would like to thank all those that assisted in recovering Cleve, his raft and black lab Syd (Deuce still missing) from the Missouri River especially Deputy Cascade Coroner Bob (Wojo) and Randy Wilke and staff at Anderson Stevenson Wilke for their kind assistance. Thank you to all his teachers, coaches and professors that instilled his competitive nature and thirst for knowledge! In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials sent to Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604. Cleve’s ashes will be spread on the “Mighty Mo” near Pelican Point at a later date. He will live on in our hearts forever! As stated by his cousin, “Go catch a fish and experience the joy that Cleve knew.” I love you more Clever! xo
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Cleve.
JOHN A, WALL says
Marcia
This is the worst message any parent could receive. It’s beyond any words one can send you for help. Only the big guy up in the sky can help! Should you need anything
just let us know. I’ll do the rosary for Kleve at mass today. jaw
Krystle Gilchrist says
Some of my most important life lessons were learned with Cleve. The most significant thing I learned from Cleve is to be true to yourself. He really lived true to himself! He wasn’t influenced by what others thought. He was strong enough to go against the grain, and live for true happiness. It’s a rare quality that most people have lost. I still find myself contemplating the opinions of others, and it often leaves me feeling unsettled. Cleve’s memory inspires me to be true to myself, to be strong in a world full of compromise , and above all to be filled with self love and happiness. Thank you Cleve and God bless!
Dana Koon VanSteenvort says
A ray of sunshine, shoulders that carried strength, a smile and a twinkle in his eye that comforted the soul of those he loved and didn’t even know. A spirit that found his place by the water and knew his true self. Now that he has wings he has flown away beyond what we know here on earth. Yet his imprint will be with us when hear the trickle of the river, feel the breeze on our face and see a fish jump.
He will be missed … I can still see him in braces. Xoxox
Mary White Thompson says
Family of Cleve,
I cannot tell you how sad I am to hear of this awful news… My husband Trevor and I were good friends of Cleve during high school. I have some incredibly fun memories with him when I think about high school… The way he could whip out a song lyric in a funny way (Milli Vanilli, Beastie Boys), his hilarious nicknames for people, his prank calls (before the days of caller ID), or his crazy Andrew Dice Clay raps and rhymes. One fun-to-be-with guy! We had lost touch with Cleve quite some time ago, but still think get a smile when we think back; we always will.
Much love to you all. Sending prayers your way.
Mary Thompson
Marie and Faust Alvarez says
Dear Mike and Marcia, We were on our way to Mass when John called so we prayed for you and for Cleve during Mass and asked our priest to remember him in his prayers. We were so sad to hear that Cleve had passed away, for him ,for you and for the rest of the world that could still benefit form his expertise, his kindness and his courage.
Katie (Madden) Kinzer says
To the family of Cleve:
I am so saddened by this loss and am sending prayers for you. I first met Cleve in middle school and always laugh when I think of all of the funny stuff he did. He always seemed to be a “walking party” because wherever Cleve was there was laughter and probably some sort of prank going
on. He could make anyone laugh and I know I truly enjoyed his company. The obituary is beautiful and a reminder of how spiritual Cleve was. He will be missed and our class of 1990 will always remember him.
Blessings and prayers,
Katie (Madden) Kinzer
Roger Skartveit says
Marcia, Mike and family,
No words can really convey how sorry I am to hear about Cleve. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Roger
Erin (Keenan) Easley says
Hi Marcia and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I really only knew Cleve during the high school years, but he was a friend to everyone. While not only making everyone (including teachers) laugh, he had a kind and generous heart, and certainly was his own free spirit. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you,
Erin
Doug and Teri Zook says
Dear Marcia and family:
This news was horrible news:(. We can imagine the shock and pain and have felt it similarly. It is not an easy thing, but knowing you, you will find strength and peace required. Feeling so sorry for you, dear friend, and we are so, so sorry for your loss. From the obituary Cleve sounds like SUCH a special guy ~ wish we could have known him.
Our love,
Doug & Teri
Debi Rapstad says
I was so sorry to hear this. Please know my thoughts are with you. So very sad. But what a full, happy life he led! Love to you and your family
Deborah Gentry says
I love you and miss you buddy. You were always there for me. The one thing I take comfort in is you left us on a river you love. I’ve bawled my eyes out. But I know I Wil see you again one day. I plan on taking up your mantel dude. Tight lines forever
Charlie & Donna Gillman says
Dear Kevin & family- how so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.
It seems he left this world loving what he was able to do.
We hope you will find some peace and comfort in the memories you shared
together.
Prayers to you all
Denise Feller says
Marcia and family–I know how devastated you are and am at a loss to know how to help. Our kids were so little when we worked together and those memories are the best. You always had such neat things planned to do–no wonder Cleve loved life! Prayers surround you and I pray they will ease your pain.
Diana Graber Tavary says
Mike and Marcia,
John and I are so very sad with you. I can remember stories you would share about Cleve and how proud you were with his achievements. What a sweet person he must have been. We were justing sharing great stories about you and Mike around a fire on Saturday night with our neighbors Ed and Sally Beall. We all contributed. Blessings on your whole family and we will hope to see you at the service. John and Diana Tavary
Linda Lochridge Hoenigsberg says
I did not know Cleve but I did something out of the ordinary for me. I read his obituary from beginning to end. It was one of the most touching, heartfelt, and joyful obituaries I have ever read. I felt as if I were a different person after reading it…as if Cleve’s life touched my own in some way. The love and joy of his mother came through each word. I once heard a woman speak who had died for twenty minutes from a burst appendices, but was revived. She said, “dying is like moving without having to pack.” You will see Cleve again, and there will be no more goodbyes.
Mary Kay Bennett says
In the silence of my heart, I pray a thousand prayers for you and your family. What a beautiful obituary of a life well lived. Your Friend in Spirit. MK
Billy Byrnes says
Dear Marcia and Mike,
Carole and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and the entire family. Cleve lives in every trout that rises! God bless.
Jeff Erickson says
Dear Family,
I moved to the Flathead Valley in 2008. Cleve was one of the first people I met and we instantly became good friends. I didn’t know anything about the ways of MT, but Cleve taught me. Fly fishing, hunting, shooting and respect for the land and what it has to offer us.
Football season won’t ever be the same without you! And Lucky and Blackjack are gonna miss you and Sid and Duece.
Peace my Brotha! I will never forget you! I know the fishing is good where you are!
I will see you again someday. My friend, who lost her brother 3 years ago said it the best…
“It’s one more to welcome us home someday.” Amen!
Go Steelers! Love you Brotha!
Jeff and D’Ann
Stacy Niklas Fessenden says
Marcia and Family,
Though not a close friend of Cleve’s in high school, I did have the opportunity to know him better when we worked as RA’s in Craig Hall. Hootie blasting on the office stereo was normal if he had to be working–which wasn’t a lot, as he tried very hard to get others to cover for him so he could do something better :-). When I listen to Darius Rucker, I always wondered what Cleve thought of when his Hootie lead singer went country! I’m sure he approved. He was always a happy, energized guy, and always headed for the next fun adventure. I so appreciated how you captured Cleve’s gypsy essence and his ability to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I’m pretty sure Cleve did more “living” in his short time here on Earth than most of us will do in a longer lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Fish on, Cleve!
don andrews says
mike and Marcia I wish you my deepest condolences for your loss.The phyiscial body can be taken from us but the love in your heart goes on forever.May god bless your family. don, chancey, morgan, joey, Tanya andrews
Jack & Michele Foote says
To the entire family-
We are profoundly saddened by your loss. You have our inexpressible sympathies and our deepest condolences. God bless.
Thomas Campbell Miller says
I would be one of those that had their life changed for the better & forever by being Blessed to have called Cleve a Friend & Brother. As R.A.’s at U of M we had a number of adventures & without a doubt we ‘did it our way’. We continued to be close friends after Cleve left the R.A. ranks and as has been so eloquently conveyed here Cleve’s sense of self, strength & smarts made for lasting memories. One memory that stands out at this time was making a road trip to the Gorge to see the Beastie Boys in his VW Rabbit (at least I think that’s what it was… 20 years dulls the memory). After the concert we slept for part of the night in cornfield – pure randomness & in the true spirit of ‘Going with the Flow’. While we hadn’t seen each other in years – we kept in sporadic contact via the FB and I so enjoyed his quips re. football, his passion for Montana’s majesty and the fact that he continued to be TRUE to himself, his passions and living life to the fullest. It’s with incredible sadness & regret that I pass along my condolences to you all. Cleve literally changed my life for the better and his passing leaves a void that won’t ever be filled. Tight Lines Brother.
Dick and Jan Paustian says
Our hearts are torn apart for you upon hearing of this tragedy. We know Cleve was such a free spirit and taken far too young. He obviously loved life so much and gave so much of his life to you and others. No words can begin to heal your hearts. May your family, friends and faith help carry you forward. Your tribute to Cleve is amazing, as was Cleve’s spirit and love of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever.
Rick and Rose Sainz says
Marsha, Mike and family, Rose and I are stunned with the tragic passing of Cleve. While we only met him once last year at your house, he impressed us as a very nice young man truly at peace in the Montana outdoors. Words fall short to offer proper comfort at this time so we won’t even try. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
bryan foster says
One of my most vivid memories in Craig Hall was Cleve drumming in his room to Cracker’s “Teen Angst” during our year as RA’s there, always wondered about him whenever I heard that song, now I will always think of him and smile. He and his fishing buddies (Roger and Tom) would always show the most excitement when fishing was the subject… You were one of the good ones, Cleve, and even those of us that barely crossed paths with you always realized that. Fish on, Cleve, fish on…
Michelle Toca says
Hi Mke & Marcia. I have no words to properly express my sorrow for you and your family at this time. I know you feel an incredible hole in your heart since he is no longer with us, however, know that now he is a new angel (we know how much you love angels) on your shoulder watching over you and taking care of all those he loved so much. He and Arlene are having great conversations now. Just focus and remember on all those beautiful and amazing memories you have of him and the incredible man that he was and how he touched so many. What a beautiful legacy he has left!!!
Bev St. Cyr says
Marcia, I am so sorry to hear of Cleve’s passing. He was a very special young man. You are in my thoughts and prayers . Take care. And to Monique, it is so hard to lose a brother. I know your special memories of the times you spent together will stay in your heart forever.
Thinking of you all at this extremely painful time.
patty white says
Marcia, I am so sad to hear about your beautiful son’s passing. Mary and Trevor always said
what a fun, joyful soul he was. My heart hurts for you and I loved the obituary, written only by someone who knew him so well, and loved him so deeply. Love is eternal . My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of great loss and sadness.
Rob Virts says
To the family of Cleve,
I first met Cleve during two-a-day football practices prior to our freshman year of high school. It is safe to say that he left a lasting impression on me as well as anyone that he met. I have many fond memories of our time on the football field, the bus trips for out of town games (where Cleve usually did something that required us to run the following Monday), dances, parties, or just being in class with him (which was always an adventure). I will never forget Cleve chasing his mom around her kitchen with our dead lab cat that we were suppsoed to be dissecting for homework.
I had lost touch with him over the years but ran into him recently in Helena where he promptly greeted me by rubbing my bald head and telling me that the only person he knew with less hair than me was Kosena. It is fitting that my last memory of Cleve was a funny one where he was giving me crap. I pass by pelican point often and will make it a point to say hello to my old friend when I do.
Take care during this very difficult time.
Bruce and Donna Ellis says
Marcia, Mike and Kevin (all other family we don’t know): we are so sorry to hear of your incredible loss. Our prayers are with all of your family as you celebrate Cleve’s wonderful life. God Bless all of you as you find peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
The Ellis’
Roger Citron says
Happen to be camping near Bandon when I heard of Cleve’s passing and I am enjoying memories of him, his smile and his laugh. I too was blessed to have known Cleve, to have shared some great memories and my life most certainly wouldn’t be the same had we not met. He was truly a “red belly” native and one of the most passionate lab loving anglers Montana has produced. The Bobby Jones of fly fishermen is an apt description. My condolences for your loss! As I was explaining to my son why I was sad this morning I reminded him that Cleve was the kind man who gave him a knife he found by a lake up in the Flathead. I told him that if he is lucky Cleve will visit him as a flyfishing spirit guide. I’ll be thinking of him when on the links and flyfishing.
Damaso Santana says
Marcia, Mike and the family,
I never had the pleasure of knowing you. I know of you through Mario and Ana, they are family to me and thereby you are too.
I offer you my deepest condolences on Cleve’s passing. I am blessed with a free spirited son who loves the Everglades as much as Cleve loves his Montana, many times I have shared my concerns and his answer, just as sure as Cleve’s would be, invariably is “Dad, Mom, if anything happens it will happen doing what I love doing”. My words at a moment like this, I can only imagine, might not convey comfort but rest assured that Cleve, doing it his way lived many lifetimes, a full life, a rarity seldom afforded many of us. I would have loved to have met him, I would have loved to introduce him to my son.
God Bless and guide you.
Damaso
Drew Ahmann says
Kevin, Monique, and the rest of the family,
My deepest condolences to all. Cleve was truly an amazing person and will be forever with you. May God bless you in this difficult time, and always.
Drew
Jim Edwards-Toepel says
Marcia, Mike, Kevin and family,
Your loss of Cleve is sad news. I wish I had met Cleve and had a chance to experience fishing the Missouri with him. What a man. I’ll be thinking of all of you even more than usual over the next few weeks and always when wetting a line. God’s peace to you.
Jim
Norma Johnsgard says
Marcia and family…so, so sorry for your loss. Of all the losses we suffer in our lifetime it must be the hardest to lose a child and such a successful, vital son. My thoughts and prayers go with you.
Scott Opitz says
Family of Cleve,
I would just like to pass along my condolences on your tragic loss.
I have many great memories of Cleve. The earliest ones are from playing pick up football games during recess in elementary school and later in football, basketball, and track at Helena High. Clearly a great man who was lost way to soon.
Thoughts and prayers,
Scott
Vinni Russoniello. Missoula , Montana. says
Family of Cleve..
I met Cleve in Missoula while going to school, we worked together at wordens and fast became friends. We figured out right away that we were both Montana boys who loved the outdoors. Cleave and I spent many days fishing with Mocha and enjoying the outdoors. All of my memories of Cleve are of his kind nature and ability to make me laugh. Such genuine and respectful people are one in a million. I am proud to have called him a friend. My deepest condolence to your family.
Cleve…
I will miss you old friend, nothing will ever replace the memories we made fishing on the north fork, taking turns fishing the deep clear pools. Or the time we hiked all day to fish, and Mocha stepped on my rod and broke it–“no worries, take mine” is what you said. Your gentle calmness and respect of our Montana always impressed me. I will always remember lazy days floating down the Smith river, eating the Strawberry and Rhubarb pie we smuggled and hid from the group so we could eat it every night in the tent! You are a true montanan, and you will be missed my friend! I will be watching for you when I fish “tin cup alley”. Give Mocha a good ear scratchin and leave some fish for me. Bye buddy.
-Vinni
Cassaundra says
I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your son. I lost my son last year on the same date June 20th. My son was only 20 years old and died at work due to a tool malfunction. I did not know your son… I only heard of his death through a mutual friend. It sounds like he was an amazing person. The days, weeks and months ahead of you are going to be rough. I will be praying for you. Please feel free to email me any time to talk.
Tom and Barb Albrecht says
Marcia and family:
Barb and I are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I always got such a kick out of Cleve during his freshman year in my English class. As with many students, I lost track of Cleve over the years. Your beautiful comments in his obituary brought tears, memories and a better appreciation of Cleve. As I told you once before, Marcia, whenever I see the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” I am always reminded of Cleve and the twinkle in his eye.
Take good care of your memories of your son and especially take good care of yourself and your entire family.
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Marcia, Mike and family,
There just are no words to express our sorrow in hearing about Cleve. I must say the beautiful life story in his obituary helps one realize we should celebrate the joys in the full life that Cleve lived. I have said silent prayers for you Marcia ever since reciving the news, praying that you are able to find some peace knowing “God needed him more”. Bless you and your family at this time and the days to come.
Silvio & Jaye Rodriguez says
Marcia & Mike,
We were shocked to hear such devastating news about Cleve. Regrettably we never met him, but reading about him conveys, without a doubt, a beautiful human being who touched numerous lives, both people and animals. Please accept our condolences and know memories of him shared by so many will continue to live on.
Julie and Lee Graham says
Mike and Marcia,
We are so sorry. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Scott Smith says
Cleve was a good friend and we shared many passions including golf, fly fishing, the Pittsburgh Steelers, our dogs and Montana. One of the best times I have ever had was when Cleve, Mike Burney, John Diehl, and I played in the Bartenders Cup at Whitefish Golf Course a few years back. We all played well and contributed, but Cleve was our Ace and we almost won but came in second. Cleve was a great person and good friend, and if there is a Heaven and I believe there is, he is fly fishing on the crystal clear aqua marine waters there. When my time comes I hope I can join him and he can show me all the great holes. Take care my friend you will be greatly missed.
Dixie Shephard says
TO Cleve’s family, I am so sorry for your loss, Cleve and my son Rob Virts have been buddies for many years and Rob always talked so kindly of Cleve. Marcia, you and I worked on the football banquet many years ago. I can’t even imagine what you are going through, I am keeping you in my prayers for tomarrow and the future. Cleve sure did love life didn’t he? GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Sandi and Dave Ashley says
Marcia, Mike and family,
Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult of times. May the love of family and friends, and the love and fun memories you hold dear in your hearts comfort you as time goes by.
God bless you all!
Connie & Scot Wheeler says
Marcia ,Mike and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Can’t imagine the pain of losing a child, no matter how old they are. Never had the pleasure of meeting Cleve, but he sounds like a real person. What you see is what you get,no matter who he was around. Has the twinkle in his eye. Even though he’s up in heaven looking down on you now, doesn’t mean you can’t talk to him. Trust me he will answer you! So,so sorry for your loss
Jackson Kilpatrick says
If Cleve had lived forever he still would have gone too soon. Although I had only known him for about five years I can say that he is one of my very best friends. Our friendship was dug out of a golf course, forged over a bar-b-que and quenched in the rivers that he so loved. No time with Cleve was ever wasted time. He was a brilliant teacher, eager to give valuable lessons to anyone who would give him the time to listen. His was a life that should be celebrated, not mourned. His time was short but it was his. A person can have many lifetimes of experiences when they do what they love every day.
To Cleve’s Family:
I can’t begin to imagine the loss you must be feeling. I don’t think mankind has invented the words to describe it. Then again maybe we don’t need to when “unspeakable” will do. . . I instead would rather give you all my thanks. Thank you for being the ones responsible for creating and shaping that individual into the person he became. You are responsible for giving us all a gift that influenced more lives than any of us will probably ever know. In these hard times we will all do our best to give you the support, strength and whatever you need to make it through. Just know that no matter how hard we try, you gave us more.
-God Bless
A bright star has been extinguished. It is now up to all of us to shine a little bit brighter. If we don’t, the world will surely be a darker place. So throw a line in a river. Give a dog a hug or hit a driver off the fairway. Let his lesson be to get the most from the simplest of experiences. We will be all the better for it. In the end there is on simple fact: most of us will have to wait to first pass on before we get to heaven. Those of us who know how much Cleve loved fishing the Missouri know that he got to heaven first.
I will miss you my friend, we all will.
Sally Landsrud says
Marcia and Mike and family
I am so heartbroken for all of you in hearing the tragic loss of Cleve. The tribute for Cleve was so beautifully written. May his memory be a celebration of his life well lived. Please know that I’m thinking of you and hope you find some peace in the coming days and months. God speed.
Jim and Peg Weyrens says
Marcia and Mike We did not meet Cleve,however I feel a real loss of this incredible man who you spoke of so often. I cannot imagine the loss you are feeling but knowing you and your deep faith believe that Cleve is up there someplace sharing stories about you and Mike, Arlene, John, Kevin, his many successes in his brief but full life on earth,and he can certainly be at peace with the footprint he left here. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we will talk soon . Jim and Peg Weyrens
Katelyn Griepp says
I got to know Cleve pretty good by our little chats whenever he would stop by my casino in Whitefish where I work. He always had an inspiring grin on his face and loved to joke around. He became one of my favorite customers and I am so saddened to hear that he is gone. I only got to know him through our little chats but I knew how much he loved to fish, the Missouri river, and his dogs. We both had black labs and I know he would have done anything for them. I know that he was a good man and had an enormous heart. Sometimes you can just tell with people. He will be very missed.
John Giacomino says
My prayers are with you and Cleve. I met Cleve several years ago while playing poker. Even though I was several years than Cleve, we became friends and enjoyed several rounds of golf . Whenever I think of Cleve, his infectious smile comes forward.
I will miss this guy.
Evy Burris Sass says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your precious Cleve. His life gives you memories so beautiful you will never ever forget. I pray God’s Blessing to Cleve’s family & all his loved ones,
Dan and Abbe Starr says
Marcia, Mike and Kevin,
Abbe and I were so saddened to learn of your tragic loss. We did not know Cleve, but Marcia, your beautiful tribute makes me feel as though I did know your son and fellow Steelers fan. We are just so sorry for your loss and will certainly keep you and your entire family in our prayers.
Robert and Sandy Rogge says
Extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Cleve. Many memories of him when we were your neighbors on Tizer Road and our boys Brett,Troy and Darin spent many hours back and forth to your house and ours.
Tom Lamberth says
Mike and Marcia, I was saddened to hear about the untimely death of Cleve. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. Beth and I will certainly keep you in our prayers. Time will help the healing and memories will bring many smiles to your face over the coming years. Although I did not know Cleve personally I wish I had. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest every day. A lesson for all of us who too often take it for granted. The obituary was beautiful, very inspiring. Tom and Beth Lamberth
Margie Munter Malmstrom Willett says
Hi Marcia. Only heard the very sad news yesterday. I have no words. I’ve been crying for two days and remembering that funny little guy. Also remembering our lives back then. So much love. So very much love. I send you God’s Peace. And now when I say my special prayers for Jon each and every day, I can picture him fly fishing with Cleve .
I love you and I am so sorry.
Please try to contact me, when you are ready.
Love, Margie