Cleve Louis Petzoldt

Aug. 17, 1914 - Feb. 1, 2007 The world will never be the same. Our father was granted his final wish - to join Mom without too much "fuss" and bother. A simple man, he died with dignity and grace in the presence of family who adored him. He was respected by all who knew him. Cleve was so special it took 92 years to live his life and he loved every moment. He remarked constantly that he was the "luckiest man ever" to have such wonderful family and friends. A fall, resulting in a broken hip caused his body to give up. He was just tired. On Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007, a Life Celebration Open House will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at his home, 302 Woodlawn in Caldwell Idaho. Please join us. Wanting Dad to know how much he meant to us, we would like to share excerpts from a letter written for him last year. It is a pleasure to present moments in the happy and full life of Cleve Louis Petzoldt. "To our darling Daddy - What a privilege it has been to be born your child. Words can't express how we will miss your sweet face when the time comes for you to join Mom. So many opportunities have come and gone for us to say how much we care. Sure - all four of us kids make a point of saying "I love you" as we hang up the phone, waiting for that little "Yah, me - you - too, honey". However, it is not enough to just tell you how special you are - we want to express our feelings while we can still see that small gleam of delight in your eyes. One thing we will always remember is how much love you had for us, your kindness, and always being there for us no matter what. You would drop everything to do anything for us. It seems like even recently you are here to bail us out of problems, and to give advice. It is a good thing that we did not become lawyers or politicians, because we are reminded time and again to stay away from "their kind". That is our wonderful father, opinionated and not without an answer to the world situationÉ Your life was typical of those born near the turn of the century in the Midwest. Will and Lillie Petzoldt welcomed their first child in a little town near Orient, Iowa. You were the first grandson and we are told - readily spoiled by numerous grandparents, aunts and uncles who were a wonderful mix of German and English heritage. Your parents were gentle and kind hard working farmers who followed other family members to Idaho when you were just a babyÉ Life was not without excitement after high school graduation in 1933, as you followed your very famous Uncle Paul to Jackson Hole Wyoming to work summers. Paul was going about his history making adventures climbing the Teton Mountains and becoming one of the first to scale many mountain peaks. You joined him on ascents to the top several times, and could not have been more proud of that relationship. His fame made "Petzoldt" a nationally known name throughout the worldÉÉ. You married Arletta Marie Sly on Oct. 21, 1938 starting the next 60 years of happily married life. The newly created Petzoldt family became quite the nomads, moving on a whim. You would come home, tell Mom to pack and be ready in the morning, and off you'd go following the scent of steady employment. Babies came in quick succession. Linda made her appearance in 1940, Karen in 1943 and Bill in 1947, all magically born in Twin Falls. Little sister Cheryl arrived in October of 1954 with great anticipation. Mom's illness and untimely death in 1998 brought much sadness, but also a reminder about how lucky the two of you had been in your 60 years of marriage and time togetherÉ. Not many people are so blessed to have a close family like we have had all these years. Your grandkids have always been special to you and you to them. How lucky Amy and Cody were to have you as their father figure. They learned so many good things from your example. You are truly loved by Tony, Tina, Todd and Richard. They think you are the greatest. Nikki, Shane and Shannon adore you. Kristy, Julie and Jon have many fond memories of being with you and Mom. All the sons-in-law, Denny, Ron and John envy your accomplishments in life and respect your wisdom. Bill's Jacquie cares so much for you and tries to keep you fed and happy. Now you have oodles and oodles of step-grandchildren, great grandkids - too many to countÉ Your good nature and generosity has not stopped at home. For years Petzoldt Construction sponsored the Jazz Softball team providing Nikki and her friends with hours of fun while winning trophy after trophy. Those were wonderful times, and you made many lifetime friends in the communityÉ.. We just all want to join in letting you know what a wonderful, special person you are and always have been. And to let you know that we think we are the luckiest children ever born. We love you unconditionally." Cleve is survived and never will be forgotten by a son - Bill (Jacquie) Petzoldt; three daughters - Linda (Dennis) Colton, Karen (Ron) Crowe, Cheryl (John) Sargent; sister Verla Austin; close special friend Phyllis Sayers; and his companion "Dog" who will miss him greatly. He had many beautiful grandkids; numerous great-grandkids and step grandkids. Friends, cousins, nieces and nephews made his life complete.