Norman John Cleeland Jr.'s Obituary
Norman John Cleeland, Jr. was baptized in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
Born on March 1, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Norman John Cleeland, Sr. and Margaret (née Rhedans) Cleeland, Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ann Lenore (née Nester) Cleeland, and his cousin, Betty Duggan.
He is survived by his son, Christopher John (Patricia) Cleeland; his cherished grandchildren, Sarah Ann (Jonathan Ponce Cuiriz) Cleeland, Sawyer John Cleeland, and Margaret Ruth Cleeland; his cousin, Jack Selvaggi; and the extended Nester and Duggan families, all of whom he loved deeply.
Norm's lifelong devotion to Ann was the foundation of their family and an example to all who knew them. Their shared faith in the Lord sustained them through more than six decades together as they raised their son, Chris, and delighted in the blessings of their three grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of St. Louis, he graduated from St. Cecilia then St. Mary’s High School, and worked many years at Stiver’s Lincoln-Mercury. Norm knew no strangers, and was gifted in engaging a person and putting them at ease.
Beyond his family, Norm's greatest passions were automobiles, singing, and celebrating his German-American heritage. A gifted vocalist from a young age, he generously shared his talents with organizations including the Liederkranz German Singing Society, the St. Louis–Stuttgart Sister Cities Committee, the St. Louis German Cultural Society, and many others. As a dedicated board member and volunteer, he helped organize and participate in countless regional and national Sängerfests. Many will remember seeing him in lederhosen each July during the St. Louis Strassenfest, where he faithfully served for decades as Entertainment Chair and board member. His legacy is one of joyful service, steadfast friendship, and deep love for family and community.
Norm was a faithful parishioner of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, where his quiet devotion was evident to all who knew him. Whatever life brought, Sunday Mass remained a constant. His faith shaped the way he lived: with kindness, humility, and a genuine love for others.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 AM, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 17 Joy Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119.
In lieu of flowers, masses preferred or contributions can be made to: St. Mary’s High School or Bethesda Health Foundation.
Service provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at https://www.HughesFA.com
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