Stephen Cleveland Obituary

Stephen (Steve) Lee Cleveland

Stephen Lee Cleveland, 73, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on January 18, 1951, Stephen, affectionately known as Steve, led a distinguished life marked by dedication to his family, country, and community.

Steve graduated from Old Fort High School in 1969, where he was a key player on the baseball team that won the State Title in 1968. He attended the Air Force Academy in 1969 and went on to proudly serve our country during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm eras. He furthered his education while still in the service and earned an Aeronautical Engineering degree from Texas A&M.

Beyond his military and professional achievements, Steve was deeply involved in his community and personal interests. In his youth, he was active in 4-H and worked on the family farm. His love for sports continued into adulthood as he coached his children's sports teams. Steve also enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and riding his motorcycle.

Steve's life was enriched by his large and loving family. He is survived by his ex-wife, Karen (Wollmuth); children, Jennifer Mendieta, Jessica, Chris and Abby Cleveland; grandchildren, Emma Cleveland, Anna Gudakunst and Joey Gudakunst; siblings, Lynn (Verna), Pat (Kathy), Terry, Jeff (Jackie), Shawn (Wendy) and his only sister, Sarah (Chris) Humbert; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Lee and Jeanne (Zepernick) Cleveland; and his brother, Doug; and sister-in-law Becky (Rakes).

A Celebration of Life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Ex-Hi Building in PM Gillmor Park, Fort Seneca. Stephen will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota, at a later date.

Steve's legacy of service, community involvement, and dedication to his family will be remembered by all who knew him.