Thomas Cleveland
November 4, 1947 ~ March 8, 2022
Thomas John Cleveland, 74, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. Private burial at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Cedar Rapids is caring for Tom and his family.
Friends and extended family that are unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Tom's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
Tom was born November 4, 1947, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of Orville and Joan (Lamers) Cleveland. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1965, then from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology. Tom was also a doctoral candidate at the University of Montana.
On June 21, 1969, he married Kristen Peterson. They settled in Cedar Rapids where Tom spent 36 years at Rockwell Collins, retiring as a systems analyst. He also taught psychology courses at Kirkwood Community College for many years and was an IHSAA referee for football and basketball games.
Tom was a lifelong learner. He was always reading, researching, and sharing his vast knowledge with others. He had a warm personality and engaged in conversations with anyone who crossed his path. His laughter was infectious and he was quick on his feet with perfectly timed wit.
Tom was passionate about the outdoors and nature. Tom was an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, and Scoutmaster of Troop 28, helping 83 Scouts earn Eagle during his 36 years of leadership. He was a mentor and steady constant for so many Scouts and traveled the country with them camping, backpacking, and canoeing. In addition to scouting, Tom was a volunteer naturalist at the Indian Creek Nature Center.
His family and faith were important to him. Tom was a member of First Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, mentored youth, and attended Bible studies. His family enjoyed traveling, music, the arts, and the rivalries between the Hawkeyes and Badgers and being steadfast fans of the Green Bay Packers. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he and Kris took them on many adventures and traveled to attend numerous swim meets, dance competitions, baseball games, and show choir competitions to support them.
Survivors include his wife, Kris; children, Heather (David) DiStefano, Brennan (Renata) Cleveland, and Kyle (Amanda) Cleveland; grandchildren, Emma, Dara, David II, Dana, and Alaric; siblings, Mike (Sally) Cleveland, Pat (Barb) Cleveland, Peggy (Steve) VandeHey, Terri (Ardan) Bolland, and Suzanne (Jack) Klein; his in-laws, Ken (Bobbie) Peterson, Ron (Vicki) Peterson, Bernie Peterson, Tim (Anne) Peterson, and Brian (Sheri) Peterson, and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and in-laws, Ken and Mona Peterson.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to First Lutheran Church, Indian Creek Nature Center, or Boy Scouts of America Hawkeye Area Council. In the spirit of Tom's generosity, he was a donor with the Iowa Donor Network.
To donate a tree in memory of Tom to a local organization, visit: https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/join-give/donate/
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
So saddened to read about Tom’s death. I always enjoyed our time together at Camp and other Scout functions. A true gentleman who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Tom Boeckmann
Kris and family – Tom was an absolutely amazing volunteer at Indian Creek Nature Center and he has made a difference in the lives of countless children! Please accept our condolences and we hope you are able to find peace in nature at this time. John Myers
Tom was a fellow “Wednesday Warrior” at the Indian Creek Nature Center. With other volunteers, we weeded, mulched and did other land restoration chores. Tom was up for anything. He was always cheerful, eager to share and to know about others. I don’t think I ever saw him in a grumpy mood. I will never forget his kind help in making a willow dome for the children’s playscape on the hottest day of July. I am so grateful for his friendship and I will miss him and his (long) stories very much! Mary Kopecky
I reiterate all that Mary and John have said. Tom always made our Wednesday Warrior work lighter and more fun. Tom was the very definition of “volunteer.” I am sorry for this loss to your family, to the Nature Center, and to all Tom’s friends. Jo Ann McNiel
Dear Kris- We are so sorry to read about Tom. Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
To the Cleveland family: Please accept my condolences on your loss. It is never easy losing someone you love. Hold on to those memories, continue to hear his voice and don’t ever stop talking to him. He is with you always. I hope that comfort and peace come to you. I know that he will truly be missed. He was a great father and husband and loved by all Prayers for your hearts to heal. You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless all of you. Jim Voss
Tom was such an amazing man, with absolutely the best stories. He was a huge part of our son becoming an Eagle Scout, and I still remember him shaking our sons hand at the Scout office when he went to get it. My son and I spent a whole day with Tom clearing an area at the Nature Center for my sons scout volunteer hours, and Tom outworked us both. His impact on everyone he touched will last. Forever.
Tom was a truly special person. He made a big impact on my life as I journeyed to Eagle Scout. The world is better because of his kindness.
It was a pleasure to meet a man so nice and kind. My deepest sympathy to all family from Marianna and Bianca Bilardello
I have never met a person as dedicated, selfless, good natured, patient, and friendly as Tom. We should all celebrate and try to emulate Tom always.
Saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. I was honored to get to know Tom through BSA as we worked together on District Council. He was a kind and gentle man. Our paths crossed again later when I joined Rockwell. We would chat when we bumped into each other as Time did his daily walk around the factory. He will be missed. Pete Rowbotham
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I will always treasure the times that Tom and I would talk at camp regarding our common interests of psychology and Scouting. Many times we would sit and chat while he was fishing at John’s Lake.
I enjoyed working with Tom for many years, the kind of colleague anyone would want to have – warm, engaging, good ideas, and gave his full attention and energy to any project we were working on. He was a fine teammate. I extend my sympathy to his family at their loss. Elizabeth Ray Cedar Rapids
So sorry to read of Tom’s passing. I worked with Tom at Rockwell Collins and it was always a pleasure to work with him. He always had a smile and worked as a teammate to get the job done. Hugs and prayers to Tom’s family. He will be greatly missed by many.
I met Tom while playing in the steel drum band at UI. He was always such a friendly and positive person. We shared stories of Appleton and a music teacher there that we both enjoyed. His presence and energy will be missed. My sympathy to his family.
Tom was my friend. It was my privilege to know him for many years. He was a good person who always made a contribution when he was involved. I join his family in celebrating his life. We are all better because he was here. William C. Jacobson Retired Educator and fellow Lutheran.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I knew him from Collins when he worked in contracts. He could write clearly using the tiniest printing. Also knew him as a referee when our son played football for Kennedy. Always a pleasant friend. Once he shared his desire to own an apple orchard. He surely succeeded in life and will be missed.
To Tom’s family as you are sharing memories. I enjoyed Tom’s company during our steel drum practices. We were elbow to elbow during practices and concerts. He was always so friendly, welcoming new members warmly (myself included), talked often of his family and was always upbeat and positive. We didn’t always get all the notes right, but he was always encouraging. We both practiced on our “virtual” drums at home. Blessings and peace. Dea Hoeme
From the day we moved into the house next door to Tom & Kris, we new that we had made a good choice. Tom was the best neighbor anyone could hope to have. For 9 years we mowed each other’s lawns in summer and shoveled each other’s sidewalks in winter. When the 2020 derecho obliterated the trees in our neighborhood, Tom was one of the first ones to start sawing limbs to clear a path for utility trucks. Tom may have been retired, but he didn’t spend much time sitting around. He and Kris made sure that we had competition in the lawn care category. We had to keep up with the Clevelands. Our conversations over the back fence will be missed, as will the pleasant surprise of finding my front yard mowed when I get home from work.
Tom was always soft spoken and never had a bad thing to say about anybody. I never really got to know him as well as others but I have to agree with everybody about his contribution at ICNC. When I did volunteer it was a pleasure being around him. Gordon Bena
Kris, we are so very sorry for your loss. Tom was a nice gentleman. God Bless. Your neighbors Mike and Pam Kane.
Tom was a wonderful scout leader. He mentored so many young men, and he will be missed greatly.
I was one of Tom’s first Eagle Scouts with Troop 28. He help me find the love of kayaking taking me and my fellow scouts to Beaver Dam Wisconsin on high adventure summer camp. He also help shape my love of the outdoors and how to be a good Stewart of the earth. He helped in forming the person I am today and always supported me and cheered me on even into adulthood. I consider him one of the greatest men I have ever known! God bless you Tom.
Tom was in the very first class of our community steel band and a consistent presence throughout the years. He even helped to come up with the name and was always upbeat, curious and welcoming to new members. He also attended many of the concerts and recitals by the University of Iowa students and I know how much they appreciated him as well. He will be dearly missed and I wish all of his friends and family peace and comfort in the days ahead. – Ginny Armstrong
Tom was a frequent volunteer on Eagle Scout Board of Reviews. He was endlessly kind, curious, welcoming and encouraging. He was a great role model. It was a pleasure to work with him. Our prayers are with you. May many happy memories bring you comfort.
I worked on many projects with Tom at Collins. We crossed paths on Scouting events and at First Lutheran. And most recently it was a great privilege to volunteer with Tom at the Nature Center. In all situations, you could always count on Tom being Tom. A ready smile, always something to say, making sure everyone was involved, and that ever present childlike since of wonder. I will never forget when we were working on a geology program and he discovered one of the rocks in the yard was actually called a “grey wacky” we all had a very hardy laugh with him! There are so many stories we all have like this. He will truly be missed.
Thinking of you all at this time of loss. Remember all the special memories. Jim and Marcia, Nathan and Kelsey,Katie and Andrew.
I met Tom as the troop leader for many of his Eagle Scouts that decided to complete their final project at Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC). Tom was also a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, like myself, so we had many great conversations here as well. Tom was volunteering numerous hours of his time leading s educational programs and assisting on the Nature Center property. The most memorable of these days it was just me and him tackling miscellaneous tasks while listening to many different life stories and he occassioanl swap of thoughts and ideas with one another. I will never forget his smile, he always accepted a hug and easily brightened the day of those around him. Thank you for the countless stories, conversations and personable spirit. I know your next chapter will be even more glorious than the one you shared with us on earth. Take care until we meet again. Andrea Stohler (Blaha)
I remember talking to him at games. Before I knew it I wasn’t paying attention to the games and was just listening to his stories. Super guy .
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I didn’t know him well but had good conversations with him at Indian Creek Nature Center. He’s a great Volunteer and will be missed.
Growing up in Troop 28 and earning eagle under Tom’s calm and present mentorship is an indelible part of the person I am today. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and I want his family to know what an monumental presence he has been in so many lives. Our lives have all been enriched for having known him.
To continue your lasting contributions to our shared world.
In memory of Tom and his dedication in working with Youth we provide this tree for all to enjoy in the future.
We already miss Tom’s warm smile and thoughtful conversation (for us, in church and at the Nature Center) that tells you he loves you and is interested in you. But we will always hold onto that and so much more. Blessings to the Cleveland family in this time of grieving and beyond.
My cuz Tom! I remember Tom as my soft spoken cousin with a goofy side, who always made me laugh and was absolutely one of my favorites. My father Clarence always spoke of Tom fondly. There was a close resemblance in both. I enjoyed spending time with the Cleveland’s however, not as much as I would of liked over the past years. Chris, family and siblings- I’m deeply sorry and may his legacy live on for years! All my love and prayers, Melissa Lamers Bowers
Tom, Aside from being a wonderful choir mate and Packers friend for all these years, the one thing I’ll always remember is your incredible gift of being so “present” to whomever you were talking with. You made others feel like they were the only ones in the room as you listened so deeply to whatever they were saying. I’m so sorry we couldn’t be at your service today but you were and still are on our hearts and minds. Kris and family, our most sincere condolences. It’s just so unbelievable. Lean on your deep faith and trust in Christ. Tom was a true man of God and we are so sad. Blessings and peace to you all. Ken and Allison Winter
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Kris and family, so sorry to hear ofTom’s passing. He was a support and helper to so many. He will be dearly missed by all. His service spoke so highly of him with all the memories shared. Thankful to him for his guidance in getting our Michael to his Eagle. Sincere sympathy, Sharon Dorman
My very deepest condolences to your family. Tom was a friend to many and such a great guy. He was a true gentleman, and those are a rarity. We met him in scouts decades ago, but still bumped into him at other neighborhood events. Most recently I spent a long time in the parking lot at the Indian Creek Nature Center comparing notes on families and aging. He will be greatly missed. Traci and Jim Maxted
I have known Tom for a long time! When we opened the Rockwell Fitness Center, I was a fitness instructor and Tom was a dedicated member. Then, many years later, I took a large group of STEM Club students and Tom was one of the volunteers that helped corral my students. We had many wonderful conversations at ICNC after that (AND Tom worked with my husband, Rod). I will TRULY miss Tom: a gentle, kind, and thoughtful soul has moved on but will NEVER be forgotten. My deepest sympathies and much love to his family. LOVE YA and I will MISS you, Tom!
I enjoyed playing next to Tom in the PanIC steel drum band at the U. of Iowa for the last several years. All of us enjoyed our pre-rehearsal chats. He was a dedicated member and a genuinely nice person. I am very sorry for your loss. He will be missed in the band.