James "Jim" L. Cleven

James (Jim) L. Cleven, 83 passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. James was born on February 5, 1935 in Crawford County, WI to John and Josephine (Rahaberger) Cleven.

On March 20, 1956 he was united in marriage to Marlene K. Christianson at St James Catholic Church, Rising Sun WI. They were married for 62 years. James was a hard working dairy and tobacco farmer from Crawford County WI, where he raised his large family. Jim had a love of the outdoors; gardening, hunting and fishing, and telling a great fish story. After retirement he enjoyed restoring old pickups and campers.

James is survived by his loving wife Marlene, 6 children; Vicky Giese (Greg), Marvin (Mavis)Cleven, Sharron (Terry) Sullivan, David (Cathy) Cleven, Laurie Cleven, Robert Cleven; 12 grandchildren: Andrea (Tim) DeWall, Mellissa Nickerson, Elizabeth (Nick) Giese, James Cleven, Christine (Adam) Humburg, Scott (Erin) Giese, Charlene Nickerson, Jonathan (Amanda) Cleven, Matt Cleven, Shawn Cleven, Corey (Kate) Cleven and Sarah (Justin) Topness; and 20 great grandchildren, Amara, Daio, Kayleigh, Treyton, Kreedon, Colton, Chase, McCoy, Mavryk, Macyn, Eden, Jovi, Justice, Forrest, Lyric, Isaiah, Carson, Dominyk, Ty, Raigen and his dog “Dini” (Houdini). Also his surviving siblings: Joyce Heisig, Eunice Welch, Francis (Kathy) Cleven and sister-in law Joanne Cleven and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John & Josephine Cleven; sisters: Florence Wieringa, Beatrice Ender, Irene Johnson, Ella Langlois and Mary Viner; brothers John Cleven and Tom Cleven.

There will be a Celebration of Life for James at 1pm-4pm on Friday, January 11 ^th , 2019 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 S. Oak St, La Crescent MN. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the family to offset memorial costs.