Thomas Kleiman

THOMAS KLEIMAN

Cedar Rapids

Thomas Kleiman, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, after a long illness. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 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 Jan. 7, 1935, one of five children. After graduating from Van Horne High School in 1953, Tom spent the next 50-plus years working in the construction industry. He worked 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.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.