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Peter Cleveland Obituary
Beloved father, talented climber, sagely doctor, and friend to many. He passed away doing what he loved - rock climbing at Devil's Lake.
Peter was born on August 3, 1941, in Arlington, Mass. and graduated from Arlington High School. He earned a Bachelor's in Chemistry at MIT, a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Iowa State and his MD at Rush Medical College in Chicago.
From an early age, Peter loved being outdoors, bouldering and adventuring with mountaineering clubs. It was during his graduate studies and medical school that he fell in love with Devil's Lake, eventually purchasing and moving one of the cottages, to become his family home for over 50 years.
His family fondly remembers his devotion to his children, science and medicine, and his strong work ethic. Always ready to share an accomplishment or a story, Pete was well-known across the country within the climbing community, developing many life-long friendships.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his son, Dan (Stefanie) Cleveland; and daughter, Amy (Marvin) Cullins. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jackson Cleveland, Emily Newman, and MJ Cullins; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, October 11, 3 to 5 p.m., at Devil's Lake State Park: South Shore "Red Cedar Pavilion." The shelter is located closest to the railroad tracks and the beginning of the Balance Rock Trail.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Cleveland
Aimee Edwards
October 13, 2025
Pete was an incredible man with innumerable stories and information. I have climbed with him often and will always remember him fondly. Sending love and peace to his family
Paul and Sandy Wagener
October 10, 2025
We consider ourselves blessed to know Pete and his kids for as long as we have. Climbing, campfires and conversation memories would not be nearly as enjoyable without him. He left some pretty big shoes to fill. But fortunately some indelible marks on a lot of us. Thanks Pete!
Sam
October 10, 2025
Thanks for showing us that impossible is subjective. We only met a handful of times at the Lake but I'm glad we did. Rest well, Pete.
Bart
October 10, 2025
I´ll miss you Pete! Wish I would have been there to say goodbye. Do me a favor and say hello to Bradley. Tell him I miss him too.
My condolences to his family, Dan, Amy and all.
Bart
Nancy
October 10, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear about Peter. We worked together in the late 80´s. He could talk about a subject forever. He was someone you would never forget. Rest in Peace Peter.
Scott Stewart
October 9, 2025
Rest well my friend, the days we spent climbing together were unforgettable.
Christine Coggins
October 9, 2025
I grew up hearing stories of the legendary Pete Cleveland from my uncle Tom Deuchler. I am sending Pete´s family and friends my deepest sympathies. The world is short one incredible human!
-Christine Coggins
Atlanta, GA
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