Nels Bernum Kleveland

Nels Bernum Kleveland, 94, of Cleveland, OH formerly of Newman Grove, NE, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at his home.

A restricted visitation will be Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove in Newman Grove, NE, from 3-6 p.m. In an effort to keep our community safe, we strongly encourage those feeling ill or who are part of an at-risk population (e.g., the elderly or immune-compromised, etc.) to please stay home. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions set by the CDC, no more than 10 people will be allowed in at one time. In order to accommodate this, we have extended visitation hours and encourage visitors to come throughout that time. During visitation, social distancing methods of no hugging or hand shaking will be practiced.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Shell Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be shared with Newman Grove American Legion Post #73, PO Box 73, Newman Grove, NE 68758, designated for the new Veterans Memorial or to Shell Creek Lutheran Church, PO Box 428, Newman Grove, Nebraska 68758. A joyous Celebration of Bernie's Life will be held at a later date.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Nels Bernum Kleveland lived an impressive, full life. Born to Nels and Bessie McDonald Kleveland on July 22, 1925, he grew up on the family farm and attended country schools near Newman Grove, Nebraska where he graduated from high school in 1942. Bernum was baptized and confirmed at Shell Creek Lutheran Church. After attending Norfolk Junior College, he proudly served his country during WWII in the European Theater of Operation with the Army, Company C, Third Platoon, 24th Tank Battalion, 3rd Armored Division, as a Gunner. Bernum received many military medals, including two battle stars, one under General Patton (3rd Army) and one under General Eisenhower (1st Army), who he met and greatly admired. He left France for the USA on July 14, 1945 on a Liberty ship. He turned 20 years old while on the ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean. While home on furlough, Japan surrendered. He was discharged after being stationed at Fort MacArthur, CA with a rank of Tech 5th Grade following his last official military assignment, typing his own discharge papers. Bernum then continued his education at the University of Nebraska, graduating With Distinction at the top of his class in the College of Engineering. While at the University he received a ROTC Second Lieutenant Reserve Commission in the Air Force, stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in the summer of 1949. In 1950 a Research and Development career opportunity in the field of industrial and aircraft pumps and valves took him to Cleveland, Ohio. His expertise earned him a promotion to Chief Mechanical Engineer where he developed and patented a nozzle steam safety valve for aircraft and other industrial equipment. He enjoyed his retirement by traveling to many countries and states with his dear friend, Raymond Brys. Many of their travels focused on family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, baptisms, first communions and confirmations.

After making the best of every year he had, Nels Bernum Kleveland passed peacefully at his home on March 29, 2020. Bernie loved his and Ray Brys' extended families; and they all loved him and miss him and his quick wit. In his final years and days, he especially appreciated the care and assistance of his nieces Pat Sjo and Marilyn Mecham. Bernie is well-remembered by his sister LaRiene Kleveland Sjo, as well as many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, the Brys family, friends, neighbors and caregivers. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ray Brys, sister and brother-in-law DeLoris and Clarence Nelson, and brothers and sisters-in-law Ervin and Rozelle Kleveland and Laurence and Lupe Kleveland, and brother-in-law Eino Sjo.