Donald R. Cliffe

Donald (“Smokey”) Ray Cliffe, age 85 of Beloit, passed away Friday September 27, 2019 at Beloit Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. He was born July 8, 1934 to the late Francis C. and Maude (Foss) Cliffe in Beloit. Don, who was a lifelong resident of Beloit, graduated from Beloit Memorial High School, class of 1954. He met the love of his life, Marilyn R. Vesper, in 7th Grade at Roosevelt Junior High School, and after dating her all through school they married on March 26, 1955 at Second Congregational Church in Beloit.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who adored his family above all else and lived 85 years of life to the fullest.  He was at his happiest when surrounded by his family.  Don, enjoyed bowling leagues in his younger years, vacationing and fishing in the north woods of Wisconsin, his Badgers and Packers and hanging out with treasured friends at the Filling Station.  He was a good, kind, selfless, generous man who worked at Beloit Corporation for 40 years to provide for his family.  After retiring he continued to work part-time for Summit Machine and City of Beloit Parks and Recreation.  Don was a loyal Beloit Snappers volunteer for many years and later became a member of the South Beloit Lions to serve the community alongside his brother “Bubs”.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his two children, Holly (Steve) Voss of Beloit and Bill (Carol) Cliffe of Janesville; grandchildren, Tiffany (Voss) Redieske (Shawn Galvin), Tanner (Kate) Voss, and Brett (Haley) Cliffe; great-grandchildren, Lauren and Anna Redieske, Lowyn and Landry Voss, and Blake and Benjamin Cliffe, sister-in-law, Gerry Cliffe and brother-in-law, James Boel; beloved cousins, especially Sandra Bacus, many loving nieces and nephews and treasured friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Cliffe, brother Francis H. “Bubs” Cliffe, brother Kenneth Cliffe and grandson, Brandon Cliffe.

Funeral Service will be 12 Noon on Saturday, October 12, 2019 in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit with David Meding of Central Christian Church officiating. Visitation is prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name. Please share a memory or a condolence with the Cliffe Family on our website.

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