Wayne "Pete" Otto Van Cleave

Wayne (Pete) Otto Van Cleave died on Jan. 14, 2015, at age 96, at Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel, Neb.

Pete was born Jan. 2, 1919, at New Raymer, Colo., to Otto and Millie Van Cleave. He lived most of his early life in Wyoming and graduated from McFadden High School in McFadden, Wyo. He married Cleo Bowser on June 25, 1943, in Kimball. Pete and Cleo lived in different towns in the western part of Wyoming moving around with Pete's job in the oil fields. They moved to Sidney, Nebraska, in 1950 where they lived until July, 2012, when they moved to Assisted Living in Laurel.

Pete worked in the oil fields all of his life except when he served in the United States Army during World War II. Pete landed at Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the Light Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sidney.

Pete and Cleo enjoyed traveling with Pete's brother who married Cleo's sister. Pete enjoyed fishing in Wyoming and pheasant hunting. He was an avid reader of Westerns.

Pete is survived by three sons: Doyle, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Lyle (Sharon), Laurel, Neb.; Randy (Cathy), Parkville, Mo. Eight grandchildren and one step grandchild. Fifteen great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren. Brother Vance (Ted) Van Cleave and brother-in-law Allen Andrews.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Cleo Nov. 28, 2014; parents: Otto and Millie Van Cleave; parents-in-laws: Perry and Viola Bowser; brothers: Bill Van Cleave and Bob Van Cleave; sister: Joyce Slothower; sisters-in-law: Vena Van Cleave, Fredie Van Cleave, Gladys (Birdie) Van Cleave, Evelyn Grignon, Phyllis Letcher, and Maxine Andrews; brothers-in-law: Bob Grignon, Bud Letcher, and Elmer Slothower.

Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Laurel on Sun., Jan. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m., with family present.

A Christian graveside service with military rites will be held at Laurel Cemetery, in Laurel, on Mon., Jan. 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. with Rev. William Engebretsen presiding.

Memorials may be directed in care of The Hillcrest Care Center Auxiliary in Laurel.

Arrangements with Hasemann Funeral Home in Laurel.