Clay Donald Bleam

Clay “Buck” was born October 1, 1960, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Donald and Elaine (Miller) Bleam. He graduated Manson Senior High School in 1979. After high school he attended DMACC for Auto Tech followed by Iowa State University for Farm Operations for a short time before returning home to farm with his brother, Brad. On November 22, 1986, he was united in marriage to Shelly (Hauser) Bleam at Augustana Lutheran Church. They had two beloved children, Kylia and Alex. He resided with his family on a farm outside of Manson, Iowa.

From 1980, Clay worked as a grain and livestock farmer. He was able to do what he loved (farming) until his death on March 15, 2023, due to a farming accident. In the offseason Clay kept busy with carpentry work for family and friends. Clay was very passionate about people and never hesitated to help out those in need. His desire to serve his community was apparent in many ways: including his 19 years of service on the Manson Fire Department, serving on the Manson Greater Crater Days Committee, and Manson/Pro Coop Board.

In his youth, Clay was very active in Boy Scouts and FFA. Throughout his life some of his other interests included his annual fishing and camping trips, water and snow skiing, golfing, attending live music events, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Clay always surrounded himself with family and friends, he always looked forward to celebrating the summer holidays camping in his backyard (Buckville) with all of those he loved and cared about. In the colder months he enjoyed attending Hawkeye football games, concerts, visiting friends and neighbors, and traveling to warmer weather. He also enjoyed entertaining his two grandchildren, Zoey and Beau, whom he adored.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shelly of Manson; daughter Kylia (Brian) Doyle of Coalville, IA; son Alex (Kate) Bleam of Manson, IA; grandchildren Zoey and Beau Doyle; brothers Gregg (Kathy) Bleam of Charlottesville, VA; Brad (Pam) Bleam of Twin Lakes, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Elaine Bleam, in-laws Ellis and Gloria Hauser, and nephew Curtis Hauser.

As Buck would say,

“Have a Stellar Day!” and “Go Hawks!”

Those attending the visitation and/or funeral for Clay are encouraged by his family to wear Hawkeye, Jimmy Buffet, or Buckville attire.

Clay's family would like to memorialize him by gifts to Manson F.F.A. as well as Manson Fire Department in lieu of flowers and plants.

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