Michael James Cleveland

Michael James Cleveland, of Nevada, Mo., completed his journey to the Lord on Aug. 12, 2016. Mike was born on April 22, 1944, to James William and Helen (Tyler) Cleveland. His 72 years were a life filled with the joys of love, laughter, and a "Never Say Never" attitude. For the past 55 years Mike was married to the love of his life, Helen Ann Cleveland. Together they had two lovely daughters, Christine Kunzweiler, DVM of Tulsa, Okla., and Nichole Jacobs of Portland, Ore.

Mike graduated from Nevada High School in 1962, received a bachelor's degree from Pittsburgh State University in 1966 in business administration, and earned his MBA in 1985 from Fontbonne College. Mike enjoyed a successful career in management in the trucking industry. He was active in the Catholic Church and was recognized as the Knight of the Year for the Muskogee, Oklahoma Chapter of the Knights of Columbus.

Mike was particularly proud of his grandchildren, Sandra, Jenny, and Jaqueline Kunzweiler, and Jessica Frederick. Each of these granddaughters has grown into young women who share Mike's wit, laughter, and zest for life. While they will miss him greatly, a piece of his wisdom and undying love will remain a part of each of their hearts.

In addition to his wife, daughters, and granddaughters, Mike is survived by two sons-in-law, Steve Kunzweiler and Brian Jacobs; and his brother-in-law, Ed Streich. Mike's mother, Helen Dahmer, survives him along with his brother and sisters, Tom, Jan, Julie, Kathy, and Judy; and his aunts and uncles, Donald, Dorothy, Mary, and Martha.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., today, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Nevada, with Father Matthew Benjamin officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park. The family received friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Monday, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in care of the funeral home.