Clara Kleiman

CLARA KLEIMAN

Cedar Rapids

Clara M. (Halstead) Kleiman, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Monday, June 22, 2015, after a long illness. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Clara was born the youngest of four children to Herbert and Mary (Tillman) Halstead at home in rural Fayette County, Iowa, on Aug. 31, 1938. After graduating from West Union High School, she attended Iowa State Teachers College, where she received a teaching degree in 1958. She taught in Jesup and Newhall, Iowa. She married Thomas E. Kleiman on June 20, 1959. Together they had four children. She spent many years at home, raising her children and running a household. She and Tom then started Kleiman Construction Inc. in 1980, where she remained highly involved until her retirement.

Clara is survived by her husband, Tom; four children, Steve (Kris) Kleiman of Mount Vernon, Kathleen (Mike Glavan) of Cedar Rapids, Jenny (Mike Wunn) of Clive and Deb (Greg Hapgood) of Johnston; nine grandchildren, Thomas, Ann, Michael, Kate, Maggie, Elizabeth, Michael, Ethan and Eli; and two brothers, Dick and John Halstead.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, George.

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

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