Willard "Willie" Frank Cleveland Jr.

On Thursday, January 28, 2021, Willard “Willie” Cleveland Jr., loving husband, father and grandfather, 69 years old, passed away peacefully at his home from his battle with cancer.  Willie was born in Wausau on June 13, 1951 to the late Willard Sr. and Evelyn (Moeck) Cleveland.

In 1968, he joined the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea and served for six years.  In the summer of 1972, he met the “most beautiful woman in the world” Linda Gruna at Frank’s Hideout in the hollow.  They were joined in marriage on November 25, 1972.

Survivors include, his loving wife of 48 years, Linda; three sons, Randy Cleveland, Daniel Cleveland and Bob (Julie) Cleveland; his five-grandchildren that meant the world to him, Austin, Aaron, Brianna, Trinton and Devin; and one great-grandchild, Kamiri.  Let’s not forget his beloved dogs Chico and Izzy.  In addition, he is survived by four brothers, John (Sue), Rodney (Mel), Clint and Clifford; and five sisters, Carol, Cindy, Lori, Linda and Julie.  He has many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Willie was preceded in death by three brothers, Ronnie, Vernon and Bruce; and two sisters, JoAnn and Shirley.

Willie worked in the construction and production industries for many years.  He finished his career and retired from Federal-Mogul in the summer of 2009.  After retirement, Willie had more time to do the things he enjoyed, such as gardening.  He loved fishing, hunting and in the summer you could find him on his Harley Davidson.

Along with being a died hard Green Bay Packer fan, he loved helping his neighbors with anything, if you needed a helping hand Willie would lend you his.  The most disgusting food to Willie was Sunday weiners (hot dogs).  He loved cooking for other’s but his grandchildren remember his smiley face pancakes the most.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau.  Rev. Samuel Martin will preside.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau.  Social distancing will be observed and face masks will be required to attend.   The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at 1:00 p.m. on the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home facebook page.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com