James Cleven

James "Jim" Cleven, 67 of Seymour, passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2022. He was born on February 24, 1955 to the late Lloyd and Rita Cleven. On September 16, 1977, Jim married Mary Kay Vanden Langenberg.

Jim worked nearly his whole life in heating and cooling. Outside of work, he was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, shooting trap, or working in his woods. Jim took particular joy in sharing those experiences with his boys, grandchildren, and friends. And those times were enjoyed more when they involved a fish fry. He also took pride in being a hunter safety instructor for nearly 20 years.

When not outdoors, Jim could be found helping family and friends, enjoying quiet time on the porch, and going for rides with Mary Kay. Those rides often ended with Sammy's Pizza or Northern D'Lites in Lakewood. A gentle soul, he was known for his quiet, dry humor and wit, that will surely be missed.

He spoiled his grandsons rotten by taking them on special adventures, always ending in getting ice cream. He was so incredibly loved by them and created such special relationships with each and every one of them.

Jim was one of the good ones. A truly special person-a loving son, brother, husband, dad, and grandpa.

There will forever be a pain and ache in our hearts. If we knew when your last day would be, one more day would never be enough.

Survivors include his wife of over 44 years, Mary Kay, two sons: Jeremy (Katie) Cleven and Rick (Sam) Cleven; four grandsons: Tyler, Henry, Justin, and Will; one sister: Carol (Tim) Schumacher; three brothers: Tom (Sandy) Cleven, Larry (Sarah) Cleven, Mark (Sheila) Cleven; brother-in-law, Bob Lotto; six sisters-in-law: Pat (Dave) Andrews, Jeanette (Rich) Dunks, Bernice (Bob) Beaudoin, Karen (Don) Lambert, Lynn Vanden Langenberg (Dave Cluckey), Michele (Don) Butter, and Amy (Scott) Bartelme; brothers-in-law: Don (Ardie) Vanden Langenberg, Glen (Brenda) Vanden Langenberg, Ed Vanden Langenberg (Julie Blohm), Tom Vanden Langenberg (Lisa Van Handel), Robbie (Brenda) Vanden Langenberg, and countless nieces and nephews, including Goddaughters Amanda and Jennifer.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; Mary Kay's parents, Bernard and LaRose Vanden Langenberg; and sister, Pat Lotto.

Visitation will take place at St. John Catholic Church on Friday, July 8, 2022 from 3:00pm until the funeral service at 6:00pm with Father Sengole Dass and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery at a later date.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to Jim's family at www.muehlboettcher.com.

Dear Grandpa: Thank you for all the happy memories. You always had time to bring us for ice cream and go on adventures. We will never forget the good times we had. Even though we will always be very sad to no longer have you, you will forever be in a better place. We will always love you. Love, Tyler, Henry, Justin, and Will