Pete Cleveland Was a Father Figure to Many Who Put Up Midwestern First Ascents Using “Ancient Gear”

Every January, we share a tribute to members of our community who we lost last year. Some were legends, others were pillars of their community, all were climbers. Read the full tribute to Climbers We Lost in 2025 here.

Pete Cleveland, 84, October 5

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Dr. Pete Cleveland was one of the great climbers of his time, but it’s not obvious at first glance. In early October of 2025, he “hung up his harness” for the last time at the age of 84.

On a cool spring morning in South Central Wisconsin...