Harold McCleary
December 21, 2013
Harold “Hal” McCleary, 75, passed away December 21, 2013 at the Urbandale Health Care Center. He was born May 18, 1938 in Winterset, Iowa to Helen and Ward McCleary. Hal proudly served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1958 to 1964. He worked at Deco Engineering Products, Inc. for 25 years, including 10 years as president.
He was a lifelong avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Hal is survived by his wife, Sandi; sons, Michael (Renee) McCleary, David (Judy) McCleary, and Todd (Michelle) Carlisle; grandchildren, Carlie, Morgan, Katie, Nick, Ben, Stephanie, Lauren, Jenna, Meagan, and Dani; brother-in-law, Rich (Dixie) Burns; and son-in-law, Jeff Jarvis.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debi Jarvis; parents, Harry and Helen Eichner and Ward McCleary; and his mother- and father-in-law, Rex and Liz Burns.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Urbandale Health Care Center, 4614 NW 84th Street, or to Plymouth Congregational Church in loving memory of Hal.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Chaplain Ray Fritz
01/06/2014
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Sandi, Michael, David, Todd, and all of Hals family and friends as you mourn his passing. May God whisper peace into your hearts, comfort, and heal them. We are grateful for Hals service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Dolphin we say "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
Harold McCleary, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Barry Carroll
01/02/2014
How sad and sorry to hear about Hal's passing. May God grant the family peace and comfort:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
Keith Post
12/31/2013
While I did not have the honor of serving with Hal, he is a navy and submarine brother. Thank you for your service to your country sir, and now sailor you have the eternal fair winds and following seas you have richly earned. We send our condolences to his wife Sandi, and all of his family and friends.
Keith F. Post, Executive Director
St. Marys Submarine Museum
102 St. Marys Street West
St. Marys, GA 31558
Karen S. Lorack Mitchell
12/30/2013
May God fill you all with strength, courage, and hope as you grieve the loss of Hal. He was a great man of God. I am glad for his role in my life. Grace and peace to you all!
Joann Olson
12/30/2013
Sandi, I am so sorry to hear of Hal's passing. Even though we know our loved ones are in a better place and it has been a long time coming, the pain is no less severe. I pray for peace for you and your family. Hold close the fond memories of the good times.
Connie Stivers
12/30/2013
I remember:
New Year's Day Chili Feed, especially when we had a snow storm.
Being neighbors when we were raising our children and dogs.
The trip to Santa Rosa Island in our tents.
Your support when Kenny and I divorced.
The sadness when Hal was injured, you lost Debbie and Hal needed assisted living.
I'm glad we had these memories and have remained connected through many years.
Linda Boller McMahon
12/28/2013
I was sorry to read of Hal's passing. I have many happy memories of Lovejoy School and your wonderful family. It is never easy to release those we love. Honor him by holding tight to each other and remembering all the good times you shared. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.
Liz & Randy Uttley
12/27/2013
Dearest Sandi and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Hal has a special place in our hearts. He was funny and kind. You never had to worry about a lull in the conversation, Hal could to you about everything. He will be missed.
Craig Patterson
12/26/2013
There are few people that enter your life that warrant the term "good guy". Hal was certainly who did! Our family had the privilege of "living two doors up" from Hal, Sandi and their kids and our son eventually bought their home and is raising his family there today. My wife and I enjoyed many "road trips" with him and Sandi with other friends in later years. Hal was a super organizer and under his direction we accompanied he and Sandi on three UN Trips to NY/DC. Hal could fix and/or build anything and even once completely rebuilt my snowblower after I was stupid enough to run it out of oil. Hal had a great personality and was so easy to visit with and always made you feel welcome! I'm so glad my wife and I FINALLY paid him a visit on his birthday this year! With a little coaching Hal was able to reminisce with us about the "old days" and that sweet smile never left his face!
I am honored to be selected as one of his pall bearers. Rest in Peace dear friend. We will never forget you.
David Pulliam
12/24/2013
I was sorry to hear of his passing, but glad to know Hal's suffering is over.
He was one of the good guys.