David Edward Cleveland, 89, of Sarona, WI, loved to read loan applications.

In his half-century-long banking career, he saw in them possibilities, community building, and a way to shape an impactful future. His visionary nature guided his personal life, too.

Dave died at home on Sept. 17, 2022.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1933, to Sanford and Miriam (Benge) Cleveland of Delta, Iowa, and was raised in South Dakota.

He graduated from Sioux Falls College and the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking in Madison. In 1956, Dave married Nila and together raised 3 children. Dave married Carolyn Westby (Johnson) in 1984, and they moved to Long Lake in Washburn County, WI, in 2002. Dave’s career spanned 1958 to 2013, with him leading as vice president and president of multiple banks, particularly in the Twin Cities area. He assisted 28 banks with forming charters or branches. A core part of his philosophy was believing in area entrepreneurs and approving successful loans for them when other banks had denied them, and then mentoring the businesses to help them flourish. Dave was named to the “Outstanding Young Men in America” list in 1965, inducted into the Twin Cities Business Hall of Fame in 2016, was the 1993 Minnesota Aquatennial Commodore, a 1998 Regional Small Business Administration Advocate, and founder of the Minnesota Cup at the Carlson School of Business. A minister’s son, the importance of service was ingrained in Dave. He was a reservist in the Army, and he took on leadership roles in community business organizations, United Fund, the Lions, sports, and coaching youth sports. The merging of service, the ability to expand opportunities, and their engaged, caring natures led Dave and Carolyn Cleveland to become philanthropists, especially in their local small communities. In his leisure, Dave enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading, traveling and Gophers football and basketball.

Dave is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn W. (Johnson) Cleveland; son, Brian (Jeff); daughter, Catherine Bowlby; daughter-in-law, Pat Cleveland; special nephews, Josh and Grant Whitehorn; sister, Elizabeth Smith; sister, Jane Fox; sister-in-law, Lois Whitehorn; sister-in-law, Joan Cleveland; sister-in-law, Melodee Johnson; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded by son, Brad; brother, Paul; and sisters Judy and Lois.

Service for Dave will be Wednesday, September 28th, 1:00 p.m. at Long LakeLutheran Church, W3114 Church RD, Sarona WI, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements. Lunch will be served following Internment at the Butternut Hills Golf Clubhouse, 2976 Golf RD, Sarona. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Camp Judson Bible Camp, 12965 Old Hill City RD, Keystone SD 57751 Long Lake Lutheran Church, W3114 Church RD, Sarona, WI 54870

Last Update: Sep 20, 2022 3:29 pm CDT