Memorial

Thomas Kleiman, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, Friday, November 17, 2017, after a long illness. A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

Tom was born to Roy and Georgia Kleiman in Oelwein, Iowa on January 7, 1935, one of five children. After graduating from Van Horne High School in 1953, Tom spent the next 50+ years working in the construction industry, working his way up from carpenter to project superintendent on large commercial construction projects. 

He married Clara Halstead on June 20, 1959. Together they had four children. In 1980, Tom and Clara started their own construction firm, Kleiman Construction, Inc., where he remained highly involved until his retirement. 

Outside of work, Tom’s foremost interests were his family and friends, and outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing. Later in life, he particularly looked forward to his fishing trips in Canada.

Tom is survived by his children: Steve (Kris) Kleiman of Mount Vernon, Kathleen (Mike Glavan) of Cedar Rapids, Jenny (Mike Wunn) of Clive and Deb (Greg Hapgood) of Johnston; grandchildren: Thomas, Ann, Michael, Kate, Maggie, Elizabeth, Michael, Ethan and Eli; and sister, Sally McGraw. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Clara, his parents, his brothers, Jake and Bill, and his sister, Bette.

Education was one of Tom’s passions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kleiman Family Scholarship Fund through the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation to help deserving, local students achieve higher education.

His family is forever grateful and touched by the exceptional care, compassion and love provided to Tom in his final years by The Caregivers.